In a stunning turn of events, the Indian cricket team was bowled out for just 46 runs during Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This total marks India’s lowest score on home soil and their third-lowest in the history of Test cricket.

The Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with five players, including star batsman Virat Kohli, failing to score. Kohli’s promotion to No. 3 was particularly scrutinized after his dismissal for a duck. The innings lasted only 31.2 overs, showcasing a dismal performance from a team that had recently celebrated a 2-0 series victory over Bangladesh.

New Zealand’s pace bowlers, led by Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke, exploited the overcast conditions and a pitch that had been under covers for much of the preceding days due to rain. The Indian side opted to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that many critics believe backfired spectacularly.

Kumble expressed concern about the batting unit’s lack of application, pointing out the need for better adaptation to challenging conditions. With India slipping to 34 for 7 at one point, it was evident that the batsmen struggled to adjust.

New Zealand capitalized on this golden opportunity, ending the day with a lead of 21 runs after reaching 67 for 1. Devon Conway’s steady 51 off 54 balls anchored New Zealand’s innings, as they sought to build on India’s misfortunes. The match now poses a significant challenge for the Indian side, raising questions about their approach as they head into the remaining matches of the series.

As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on the Indian team to see if they can recover from this historic setback.