India’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia hit an unexpected hurdle with their recent 0-2 loss to New Zealand. In what was expected to be an ordinary home series, New Zealand’s emphatic 113-run victory in the Pune Test on 26 October broke India’s nearly 12-year unbeaten home Test series record.
This shocking defeat raised concerns as India now eye a challenging series against Australia. The Pune Test, in particular, exposed key issues in the batting line-up, particularly with senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failing to provide the strong lead roles India desperately needed.
Lack of leading roles from older people
Both the Tests in Bengaluru and Pune saw the Indian batting and bowling teams perform in fits and starts and not with the consistency expected of a world-class side. The Bengaluru Test revealed an apparent batting collapse as India were bundled out for just 46 runs in the first innings – their lowest home Test total. In this critical collapse, Rohit and Kohli fell by two and zero runs respectively, leaving the side vulnerable early on. Although there was a comeback in the second innings, with Rohit scoring 52 and Kohli adding 70, those knocks were not enough to reverse the damage or serve as the anchors India needed.
The Pune Test was no different in terms of missed opportunities. Rohit managed just 8 runs in the two innings while Kohli managed just 18. Such performances have raised questions about their form and their ability to provide consistency, especially as they prepare to face Australia’s top quality bowlers like Mitchell Starc, captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon in the coming weeks.
Outdoor Weaknesses
Virat Kohli’s continuing struggles against New Zealand left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner have become a focal point in India’s recent defeat. Santner dismissed Kohli twice in the Pune Test and not for the first time he exposed a weakness in India’s star batsman’s game. Santner has now dismissed Kohli six times across all formats – three times in ODIs, once in T20Is and twice in Tests, making the left-arm spinner a constant thorn in Kohli’s side. The star’s problems with Santner highlight a wider vulnerability against disciplined left-arm spin, a problem as India prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
For Kohli, the problem was his prolonged struggles against the backwhich have only intensified in the past few years. Since 2020, his average against spin in India has dropped dramatically from 72.45 (2013-2019) to 32.86 and he is particularly vulnerable against left-arm spinners, against whom he averages just 22.70. Kohli’s difficulties with spin now raise a red flag as he could face the likes of Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy in what promises to be a Test series.
Clock ticking for Rohit and Kohli?
India’s upcoming Test in Mumbai against New Zealand will be the last chance for Rohit, Kohli and the team as a whole to regain confidence and avoid a humiliating series. Both players in particular have the chance to come on board and provide much-needed momentum ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The India-Australia series starting on November 22 is known for its intensity and India cannot afford to go into this clash on the back of a disappointing run. A win in Mumbai would not only help India bounce back from the losses in New Zealand but also secure crucial points from the Test World Cup.
The fans and the team will be hoping that Rohit and Kohli step up in Mumbai, lead India to victory and regain their form before the side travel to Australia.
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