New Zealand’s batting line-up collapsed to 259 all out in the second Test, largely due to the lethal spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar. Despite half-centuries from Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65), the Black Caps were unable to build a substantial total as India’s three-spinner strategy dominated the day. Ashwin and Washington took three wickets each, making the most of the spin-friendly Pune pitch.
Washington Sundar, who was not part of the Indian squad for the first Test, was brought in for the remaining matches due to the conditions in Pune. The decision to play him in place of Kuldeep Yadav proved to be a masterstroke by Indian captain Rohit Sharma and team mentor Gautam Gambhir.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. By lunch, they had managed 92 runs with the loss of two wickets. The onus was on Conway and Ravindra to anchor the innings and push the Black Caps towards a big total. Their third-wicket partnership added 62 runs, but both batters fell short of converting their starts into big scores. Conway scored a steady 76 off 141 balls, hitting 11 boundaries, while Ravindra managed 65 off 105 deliveries, including a six and five fours.
At tea, New Zealand had already lost five wickets, with the score at 201. Shortly after the break, Washington Sundar dismissed Daryl Mitchell, which set the stage for a complete collapse. The second session belonged to India’s spinners, with Ashwin and Washington sharing the remaining wickets between them. Washington Sundar, in particular, was impressive, finishing with figures of 7 wickets, while Ashwin claimed 3 crucial wickets to dismantle the Kiwi batting.
New Zealand’s inability to capitalize on the starts by Conway and Ravindra was the key to India’s dominance. The spin-friendly pitch in Pune was perfectly suited for India’s bowling attack, and their decision to field three spinners paid off handsomely.
Ashwin and Washington’s performances reinforced the importance of playing to the conditions, and India’s tactical choices, led by Gambhir and Rohit, have kept the home side firmly in control of the series.
As the game progresses, New Zealand will need to regroup and strategize if they hope to challenge India in the remaining Test.