India captain Rohit Sharma’s rough patch with the bat continued, as he was dismissed for a modest 8 runs in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. Facing left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who had been in excellent form throughout the match, Rohit tried to come down the track and defend.
However, Mitchell Santner adjusted his length and got a bit of extra bounce from the surface, which led to a thick inside edge off Rohit’s bat. The ball popped up and landed comfortably in the hands of short-leg fielder Will Young, giving New Zealand a crucial early breakthrough. Rohit’s ongoing struggles brought criticism on social media, where fans expressed frustration over his lack of form.
-Can’t bat
-Can’t ball
-Can’t field
-Can’t captain
-Can’t remain fit
-Can’t respect veteran players
-Eat’s 10 vadapav’s daily
-Play’s for opponentIs Rohit Sharma the worst ever player to play cricket? pic.twitter.com/KaVYrNPPkc
— was_dhonism (@was_dhonism4lyf) October 26, 2024
Happy Retirement Rohit Sharma pic.twitter.com/haPlnD3Dlv
— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) October 26, 2024
Like this post if you want Rohit Sharma to retire ASAP. #INDvsNZTEST #RohithSharma #rohit pic.twitter.com/kOkxKFEaTm
— कर्ण (@mrperfect244303) October 26, 2024
Dear Rohit Sharma
You have played test cricket for years now, but now you are beyond finished, it’s time to give it to the deserving youngsters like Rajat patidar, Nitish Reddy etc. Please Retire & Free that 1 spot. My respect will be doubled up after your retirement ❤️ pic.twitter.com/41jR0E4WGg
— Kevin (@imkevin149) October 26, 2024
Drop Rohit Sharma & save indian cricket.
PLEASE RETIRE ROHIT SHARMA #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/oItPgB69XG
— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) October 26, 2024
On Day 3, Ravindra Jadeja initiated India’s fightback by taking his first wicket of the match, dismissing Tom Blundell for 41 off 83 balls. This wicket energized the team, and Jadeja quickly followed it up by sending back Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel. Ravichandran Ashwin also contributed by taking the wicket of Tim Southee.
WATCH – Ravindra Jadeja’s Dhoni-Esque Run-Out Sparks India’s Comeback Against New Zealand
Surprisingly, Washington Sundar, who had an impressive performance on Day 2 with a four-wicket haul, did not bowl in the morning session of Day 3. Sundar’s earlier seven-wicket haul in New Zealand’s first innings had marked a career-best performance for the Tamil Nadu off-spinner.
India faces an uphill task of chasing 359 runs on a pitch that is increasingly challenging for batters. Before the innings began, former cricketer Gautam Gambhir offered strategic advice to Rohit Sharma.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma’s Missed Catch Gives Glenn Phillips A Crucial Lifeline in Pune Test
Drawing from New Zealand’s approach, Gambhir emphasized the need to rotate the strike and disrupt the spinners’ rhythm. To pull off a victory, Rohit’s team will need to bat through the remainder of Day 3 without losing too many wickets and capitalize on their batting depth on Day 4. Trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, India has no room for error if they hope to turn the tide and stay in contention.
