The Indian cricket team faced another disappointing collapse on Day 2 of the second Test as New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips left India in deep trouble, struggling at 107/7 by lunch and trailing by 152 runs. Frustrated fans took to social media, coining the term “Rohit-Gambhir combo” to describe the team management’s aggressive, yet faltering approach, with critiques of both the batting lineup and strategic choices.
Starting the day with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease, India hoped for a strong partnership to stabilize their innings. However, New Zealand had other plans. Santner immediately set the tone, maintaining a challenging line and length that kept the batters on their toes.
After surviving briefly, Shubman Gill was dismissed LBW by Santner after a promising 49-run partnership. Gill’s fall for 30 marked the beginning of a sharp Indian collapse. Virat Kohli walked in with high expectations, but he was bowled for just a single run by Santner, leaving the Indian lineup reeling. Jaiswal followed soon after, falling to Phillips on the very first ball he faced.
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Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner continued to pressure India’s middle order, as Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant tried to launch a counterattack with some aggressive shots. Pant managed only 18 runs before being bowled by Phillips, while Sarfaraz was dismissed for 11, further deepening India’s woes.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja attempted to bring some stability but could only manage a modest contribution, with Ashwin falling to Santner, leaving India stranded at 107/7. Jadeja and Washington Sundar were left to battle as India faced a significant deficit, hoping to avoid further damage in the afternoon session.
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Meanwhile, disappointed fans unleashed a flurry of critical reactions on Twitter, with posts humorously crediting the “Rohit-Gambhir combo” for India’s troubles. Fans expressed their disbelief over India’s vulnerability to spin on home soil, calling for more effective strategies. With New Zealand already in control of the morning session, the pressure mounts on India’s remaining batsmen to hold their ground in the upcoming hours.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to India’s shaky performance:
Apna Gabba ke Ghamand se pehle Ghar ka Ghamand na toot jaye.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 25, 2024
Thanks to Rohit Sharma and Gambhir, India lost a test series at home after 12 years. This defeat will significantly hurt their chances of reaching the WTC final. 🙏#INDvsNZ
— Abhilash V (@abilashv) October 25, 2024
46 all out was an aberration. But this one isn’t – spin is Indian batting’s bigger nemesis and when the ball spins their confidence dips. That affects the footwork and mindset.
India needs mini miracles to stay alive in the series. That’s a very serious reality #IndvsNZ .— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 25, 2024
If there’s one Indian batter, who’s most suitable for such situations and pitches, in the current test setup, it’s Axar Patel without a doubt. Not even a debate. #INDvsNZ
— Spandan Roy (@talksports45) October 25, 2024
Taste of your own medicine. 🙏🏻😭#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/GAzRgmwEiT
— KyaBaatHai (@Homelander_101) October 25, 2024
Ab bs ho gya retirement lelo bhai 😓🤡#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/r8PIc6TyMz
— Vengeance🦇🇮🇳 (@vampire3210) October 25, 2024
Team India be like. #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/yr4E1dX9VL
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) October 25, 2024
The ball was a surprise full toss, chokli didn’t expect it and only got 0.069 seconds to react IT WAS AN UNPLAYABLE DELIVERY. #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/s6bkJ8bIMi
— कृष्णा 🥀 (@Unfunny_Thor) October 25, 2024
Hypocrisy ki Seema hoti hai par inn fans ki💔😿#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/WTRNQ3wuiZ
— Ankita (@Ankinessss) October 25, 2024
After Watching Spin game of current Indian batsman #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/6oogOfXlTS
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) October 25, 2024
#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/yIvpdi0zeV
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) October 25, 2024
