India's batting collapse continues in Pune: Six down for 100 in first innings

PUNE: Following a shaky performance in Bengaluru, India’s batting woes continued on the first day of the second Test in Pune, as New Zealand's spinners again troubled the Indian lineup. Chasing a modest target, India found themselves struggling, losing six wickets while still approaching the 100-run mark. The side reached lunch at 107/7, with all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja (11) and Washington Sundar (2) remaining at the crease.

Youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill showed resilience, scoring 30 runs each before falling to New Zealand's formidable bowling. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner proved particularly challenging, claiming four wickets, including key dismissals of Gill and Virat Kohli, who departed with just one run. Skipper Rohit Sharma was out for a duck on day one, adding to India’s early troubles. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant (18) and Sarfaraz Khan (11) were also sent back cheaply as Glenn Phillips and Tim Southee contributed with two and one wickets, respectively.

Earlier in New Zealand’s innings, Sundar’s career-best bowling (7/59) restricted New Zealand to a total of 259, despite notable contributions from Devon Conway (76), Rachin Ravindra (65) and Santner (33). Ashwin supported with three wickets, conceding 64 runs.