India had a disappointing performance on Day 2 of the 1st Test against New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17. KL Rahul experienced a significant lapse in judgment while fielding at slips during New Zealand’s first innings.
In the 13th over, New Zealand captain Tom Latham edged a delivery from Mohammed Siraj, sending the ball toward the slips where Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were positioned. However, Rahul failed to attempt a catch, allowing the ball to pass him. This misjudgment frustrated Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
Later, Rahul mentioned that he didn’t see the ball well. The 30-year-old, positioned at third slip, was surprised he missed the catch. Latham played a length delivery outside off-stump, trying to punch it through cover-point, but ended up with a thick edge that went safely to the right of the second slip fielder for four runs.
This boundary allowed New Zealand to take the lead, surpassing India’s total of 46 runs. Earlier in the day, KL Rahul was out for a duck as India posted their lowest total in this format at home.
India captain Rohit Sharma, already under scrutiny for opting to bat first after winning the toss, visibly expressed his frustration at the fielding error by throwing his arms up in dismay.You can watch the video here:
KL Rahul :-
– 34 test average after 90 innings
– 20 test average in Australia
– Can’t take a single catch
– Let’s laugh on this 32 years old liability of a cricketer who hasn’t won a single ICC trophy and IPL till now 🤣#KLRahul #INDvsNZ #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/7NQ86nPayb https://t.co/ZafnlUeb2a— Prateek (@prateek_295) October 17, 2024
Tom Latham, who was given a second chance, was soon out for 15 runs
However, Tom Latham was quickly dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav in the 18th over after being given out LBW. Kuldeep, who had troubled Latham earlier, struck him plumb but the umpire initially ruled him not out.
Kuldeep requested a review, which confirmed the decision, leading to Latham’s departure after scoring 15 runs. Meanwhile, Devon Conway accelerated to a rapid fifty off just 54 balls.
After restricting India to just 46 runs, New Zealand began their innings and performed well with the bat. India managed to dismiss captain Latham for 15 runs off 49 deliveries. However, Devon Conway and Will Young successfully stabilized the innings.
By tea on Day 2 of the first Test, New Zealand had scored 82 runs for the loss of one wicket, with Conway and Young remaining not out on 61 and 5, respectively.
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