India’s cricket world was left reeling after a stunning eight-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first Test at Bengaluru. The defeat has not only dented India’s World Test Championship (WTC) hopes but also cast a shadow over captain Rohit Sharma’s decision-making abilities.
Ashwin’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
Former India opener Aakash Chopra didn’t mince words when expressing his bewilderment at Rohit’s choice to sideline Ravichandran Ashwin during the crucial second innings. Chopra pointed out the glaring omission, given Ashwin’s stellar record against left-handed batsmen. “No one has taken more wickets than him in Test matches. Left-handers were playing, but you still didn’t get him to bowl. It was not understandable at all,” Chopra remarked.
The off-spinner was finally handed the ball in the 25th over, but by then, New Zealand needed a mere 10 runs for victory. Ashwin’s late introduction yielded six runs from his two overs, leaving many to wonder what might have been had he been brought into the attack earlier.
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WTC Final Hopes Hanging by a Thread
India’s loss has dealt a significant blow to their WTC aspirations, with their percentage points dropping to 68.06. Chopra laid out the daunting task ahead for the team: “If we get 56 points, which means if we win four matches and draw two, we will reach 67.54% points. That should see us through.”
The road to redemption includes the remaining two Tests against New Zealand in Pune and Mumbai, followed by a challenging five-Test series in Australia. The first game of the Australian tour kicks off in Perth on November 22, adding pressure to India’s already precarious position.
Chopra stressed the importance of winning the next two matches against New Zealand to bolster India’s chances before the Australian tour. “The loss in this match has hurt because if we had won this and the next two as well, we would have reached 85% and would have had less work to do,” he explained.
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Bowling Strategy Questioned
Rohit’s bowling strategy in the second innings also came under fire. Chopra questioned the decision to use Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav before turning to Ashwin. “You still understand Bumrah’s long spell because only two wickets fell and he took both. However, Mohammed Siraj from the other end… you could have gotten either Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) or Ashwin first; that’s fine, but you used Ashwin as the fifth option,” Chopra observed.
By the time Ashwin was brought into the attack, the game had slipped away from India’s grasp, leaving many to ponder the what-ifs of the match.
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As India grapples with this setback, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has added Washington Sundar to the squad for the remaining two Tests. Rumours are swirling about Ashwin possibly carrying a niggle, though no official statement has been released.
The Indian team now faces an uphill battle to secure their place in the WTC final. With the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and his ability to lead the team through this crucial phase.
