"Rohit Sharma captaincy nothing without Jasprit Bumrah" - Fans fume as New Zealand run away with the chase in 1st Test against India
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma could not bring the control he wished in the fourth innings proceedings on Day 5 of the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Men in Blue began their defense of the 107-run target on the perfect note, but their grip over the contest faded quickly post that point.
The seamers had a promising burst with the new ball, with Jaspreet Bumrah accounting for the wicket of Tom Latham. However, the pacers had a prolonged spell on a crumbling Day 5 wicket, while the three-pronged spin attack, comprising Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav, were kept at bay.
Bumrah, who has already played the entirety of the home season so far, and has the Border-Gavaskar series up ahead, bowled a grueling eight-over spell. Mohammed Siraj, despite not being a huge threat to the batters, was also kept on from the other end.
The spinners only came into play after 13 overs, by which time Will Young and Devon Conway had stabilized the situation.
Fans were far from pleased with Rohit Sharma's approach on Day 5 and were puzzled over the bowling changes. Here are some of the reactions on X:
"Rohit Sharma captaincy nothing without Jasprit Bumrah," one fan posted.
"Rohit Sharma bowling Jadeja before Ashwin is the weirdest decision ever," one user wrote.
"If somehow Bumrah picks up an injury, it's totally on Rohit Sharma," another fan opined.
New Zealand on the cusp of a famous victory against Rohit Sharma and Co. in Bengaluru
The spinners have cut a helpless figure since coming on as New Zealand had already established a foundation, and had grown in confidence by then. Ravindra Jadeja has bowled five overs so far without much success while Kuldeep Yadav was introduced into the attack in the 19th over of the innings.
Rachin Ravindra has launched a counter-attack which has taken the visitors closer to the target. As of writing, New Zealand are placed at 89-2 after 22 overs, with only 18 runs more needed for a series lead.