India are staring at the first home Test series defeat since 2012.
On Day 2, India were bowled out for a paltry 156, conceding a significant first-innings lead of 103 runs. The Kiwis scored 198/5 at the close of play, extending their overall lead to 301 runs.
Having lost the first Test Bengaluru, India are already trailing 0-1 in the three-match. The hosts need to pull up their socks in the second innings with the bat if they are to avoid a Test series loss on home soil for the first time since 2012.
During the second day’s play, India skipper Rohit Sharma came under the scanner for his defensive captaincy.
After a dismal batting display, Rohit started off with spin from both ends. While the strategy to use R Ashwin and Washington Sundar was a good one on a surface that had a lot of assistance for the spinners, the fields placements painted a disappointing story.
The visiting opener, Tom Latham and Devon Conway, came out with a positive intent and played a lot of shots, including sweeps on both sides. As a result, Rohit removed all the close-in fielders after a couple of overs.
"Whatever New Zealand have done by showing intent and taking those singles, I'm amazed that they have managed to scatter away all the men around the bat. There's only one, which is Rohit Sharma (at first slip). The other one is trying to protect that single," said Murali Kartik in commentary when Latham was batting with just one catcher.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri was also critical of Rohit's defensive mindset. Shastri said after conceding such a big lead, India’s aim should have been to take wickets and get New Zealand out for 120, but Rohit's field placements didn't suggest that.
"This also tells you, tactically, how you should be thinking. India should've been thinking how can we bowl out New Zealand out for 120 and for that to happen, you need to think wickets, you need fielders in attacking positions. Yes, if the side gets to 60/0 you can start thinking differently. It also makes the bowlers think that the captain wants wickets, not with a spread-out field like this," Shastri commented.
Tom Blundell (30*) and Glenn Phillips (9*) were batting at stumps on Day 2 to raise New Zealand's hopes of a maiden Test series win in India.
Washington Sundar picked up four wickets to take his match tally to 11 after returning with a seven-wicket haul (7-59) against the Kiwis on Day 1.