An unexpected shift in pitch behavior caught Team India off guard in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand. Here’s how conditions and choices affected the outcome.
In a dramatic twist during the ongoing Test match at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the pitch conditions on Day 2 took a surprising turn that favored New Zealand. After a rain-soaked first day, Team India found themselves struggling with the pitch, while New Zealand managed to capitalize on a rapid shift in conditions. With the host team dismissed for a mere 46 runs and the Kiwis establishing a 134-run lead, the match’s dynamics changed significantly. Let’s look at the factors that contributed to the sudden changes in the pitch and the impact of weather and fielding on the game.
The Role of Weather and Pitch Conditions
The Bengaluru pitch had a drastic change in behavior between the two innings. Known for its excellent drainage facilities, the Chinnaswamy Stadium can handle rain well, but the extended period of cover due to the downpour on the first day created unexpected challenges. With the ground and pitch staying under covers for over 24 hours, moisture accumulated on the surface, and dense cloud cover early on Day 2 kept the pitch damp for India’s batting innings. When Team India came out to bat, the overcast conditions had not allowed the pitch to dry, making it much more receptive to seam and swing bowling.
New Zealand’s bowlers quickly adapted to these conditions, putting pressure on the Indian batsmen who struggled against the moving ball. The damp pitch, combined with the cloud cover, gave the Kiwi pacers an advantage, similar to conditions they’re accustomed to back home. India’s struggles were evident as they collapsed for just 46 runs, leaving New Zealand in control.
How Conditions Improved for New Zealand’s Innings
By the time New Zealand took to the crease, the weather had started to clear up. The clouds lifted, allowing sunlight to reach the pitch, which gradually began to dry. As the pitch dried out, the moisture evaporated, and the ball lost its grip on the surface, making batting significantly easier. Initially, India’s bowlers created a bit of trouble for the New Zealand openers, but they were unable to make an early breakthrough.
Once the sun came out fully, the pitch transformed into a more batting-friendly surface. This change not only eliminated the advantage that New Zealand’s bowlers had enjoyed but also made it difficult for Indian bowlers, particularly the pacers, to extract the same level of swing and seam movement. With this newfound advantage, the Kiwi batsmen batted comfortably, scoring 180 runs for the loss of just three wickets, further extending their lead.
Indian Pacers Struggled with Length
Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj failed to replicate the success of their New Zealand counterparts. In their attempts to generate swing, they pitched the ball too full, which allowed the Kiwi batsmen to drive easily. Unlike the New Zealand pacers, who had controlled their line and length effectively, Bumrah and Siraj’s fuller deliveries were less challenging to face on a drying pitch. The Indian bowlers also lacked consistency in building pressure, which contributed to New Zealand’s growing lead.
Absence of a Third Pacer
The Indian team had opted for three spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav—and two fast bowlers for this Test, expecting the pitch to favor spin. However, the overcast conditions on Day 2 called for more seam options. The absence of a third pacer became a crucial factor as the Indian fast bowlers tired out, reducing their effectiveness. If India had gone with three fast bowlers, they could have rotated the attack more effectively and maintained pressure on New Zealand. In the past, players like Akash Deep have excelled as third pacers in similar situations, but in this Test, India lacked that extra edge.
The Impact of Fielding Lapses
Fielding errors compounded India’s woes on Day 2. While New Zealand took every opportunity in the field, including some difficult catches, India’s fielders let crucial chances slip by. KL Rahul dropped an early catch off Siraj’s bowling, and later, captain Rohit Sharma missed two catches in different overs off Jadeja’s bowling. These missed chances allowed New Zealand to consolidate their position further. Such fielding errors not only allowed the Kiwi batsmen to settle in but also added to the pressure on the Indian bowlers, who were already struggling to make an impact.
Spin Trio Couldn’t Break Partnerships Early
With the moisture gradually reducing as the day went on, Indian spinners found it difficult to extract turn initially. On the drying pitch, New Zealand’s batsmen showed patience against the spinners, neutralizing Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep. By the time the pitch began to favor spin slightly, the Kiwis had already secured a substantial lead. Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep managed to pick up wickets later, but by then, New Zealand had already capitalized on the advantageous conditions.
Lessons Learned
For Team India, the unexpected behavior of the Bengaluru pitch serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability in Test cricket. When weather conditions are unpredictable, adapting quickly to the changes becomes crucial. Moving forward, they may consider selecting their playing XI with contingency plans for such situations. Fielding lapses also highlight the need for sharper focus, especially when the opposition is firmly in control.
In the ongoing Bengaluru Test, Team India will need to address these areas as they look to regain control of the match. By learning from these early setbacks and adjusting strategies accordingly, India can prepare for the rest of the Test series, knowing how crucial adaptability is to success on home soil.
