IND vs NZ: Kohli, Rohit no-show in Pune Test spells trouble before Australia tour

India’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia hit an unexpected hurdle with their recent series loss against New Zealand.

In what was anticipated to be a straightforward home series, New Zealand’s emphatic 113-run victory in the Pune Test on October 26 shattered India’s nearly 12-year unbeaten home Test series record.

This shock defeat has raised concerns as India now looks toward a challenging series against Australia. The Pune Test, in particular, exposed key issues in the batting lineup, especially with senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who were unable to deliver the strong, anchor roles India desperately needed.

Rohit-Kohli Fail to Anchor

Both the Bengaluru and Pune Tests saw India’s batting and bowling units perform in fits and starts, rather than with the consistency expected from a world-class side. The Bengaluru Test exposed a glaring batting collapse, as India was bundled out for a mere 46 runs in the first innings—their lowest home Test total. In that critical collapse, Rohit and Kohli fell for two and zero runs respectively, leaving the side vulnerable early on.

Although the second innings in Bengaluru saw a fightback with Rohit scoring 52 and Kohli adding 70, these knocks weren’t enough to reverse the damage or serve as the anchors India needed.

The Pune Test was no different in terms of missed opportunities. Rohit managed only 8 runs across both innings, while Kohli could muster just 18. Such performances raised questions about their form and ability to provide stability, especially as they prepare to face Australia’s top-quality bowlers like Mitchell Starc, captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon in the coming weeks.

Weaknesses Out In The Ppen

Virat Kohli’s continued struggles against New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner have become a focal point in India’s recent series defeat. Santner dismissed Kohli twice in the Pune Test, and it’s not the first time he’s exposed a weak spot in the Indian star batter’s game. Santner has now dismissed Kohli six times across formats—three times in ODIs, once in T20Is, and twice in Tests, making the left-arm spinner a persistent thorn in Kohli’s side. The star batter’s issues with Santner highlight a broader vulnerability against disciplined left-arm spin, a concern as India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

For Kohli, the issue has been his prolonged struggles against spin, which have only intensified over the last few years. Since 2020, his average against spin in India has dropped dramatically from 72.45 (2013-2019) to 32.86, and he’s particularly vulnerable to left-arm spinners, against whom he averages just 22.70. Kohli’s difficulties with spin now raise a red flag, as he could be up against the likes of Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy in what promises to be a testing series.

Clock Ticking For Rohit and Kohli?
India’s upcoming Mumbai Test against New Zealand will be a final opportunity for Rohit, Kohli, and the team as a whole to regain confidence and avoid a humiliating series clean sweep. Both players, especially, have a chance to put runs on the board and secure some much-needed momentum ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The India-Australia series, beginning November 22, is known for its intensity, and India cannot afford to enter that clash on the back of a disappointing series. A win in Mumbai would not only help India recover from the New Zealand losses but also secure critical World Test Championship points.

Fans and the team will be hoping that Rohit and Kohli step up in Mumbai, lead India to a victory, and re-establish their form before the side travels to Australia.