October 18, 2024: Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticized India’s decision to bat first after winning the toss in the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, labeling it a “blunder” due to the overcast conditions and moisture on the pitch.
He expressed surprise at India’s rapid collapse, as the team posted its lowest-ever score on home soil in Test cricket, folding for 46 runs. The decision to bat under such conditions raised eyebrows, and New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, and Tim Southee, exploited the swinging conditions expertly.
India’s top-order struggled to cope with the movement, with five players registering ducks. Basit praised New Zealand’s bowlers for their outstanding performance, admitting that he did not expect India to be bowled out so quickly. He also highlighted India’s subpar fielding efforts, which added to their troubles. Devon Conway‘s aggressive 91 further compounded India’s misery, and a couple of missed chances, including one that flew past between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, rubbed salt into India’s wounds.
Basit also raised concerns about Indian captain Rohit Sharma‘s form, pointing out that his reflexes appeared slower both while batting and fielding in the slips. He specifically criticized Rohit’s dismissal, where he attempted a cover drive against Tim Southee, only for the ball to nip back and hit the top of his leg stump. According to Basit, Rohit’s struggling reflexes and subpar fielding standards were worrying signs for India.
With India now in trouble after a dominant performance from New Zealand on Day 2, Basit emphasized that India will need to mount a significant fightback to turn the match around on Day 3.
