A cloud of doubt hovers over the Indian cricket team following a sloppy performance against New Zealand in Mumbai. As India aimed to rectify the missteps of previous matches, they once again found themselves in the clutch of errors and misfortune, failing to seize the rare opportunity for redemption. Down 0-2 in the series, the first day in Mumbai presented a crucial chance to regain footing, but instead spiraled down a path of unforced mistakes in the final minutes of play.
In a candid moment of reflection, Ravindra Jadeja voiced his disappointment. “I was afraid of this. I had personally thought that as long as I played in India, I didn’t want to lose a single series. But this also happened,” revealed Jadeja, summing up the sentiment of a frustrated team. Jadeja’s worries appear to resonate with the Indian top-order, their performance woefully underwhelming given the stakes.
Proceedings in Mumbai began with promise. A 53-run stand for the second wicket seemed to steady the ship until Yashasvi Jaiswal, appearing well-set, opted for an ill-timed reverse sweep. As his wickets tumbled to the ground, reminiscent of his series-long struggle, India simultaneously began its descent into chaos. Jaiswal, having consistently underperformed in a critical year where he surpassed the 1000-run mark in Test cricket, left a heavy burden for the rest to bear.
Just when stability seemed within reach, India invited turbulence onto the crease. The decision to bring Mohammad Siraj in as a nightwatchman was questionable, his entrance against a turning left-arm spin pitch proving calamitous. Plumb in front from the outset, Siraj’s review further squandered India’s dwindling reviews quota – a costly call amidst a crucial series juncture. Soon after, came Virat Kohli, with hopes pinned on his ability to navigate adversity and spearhead a revival.
Kohli’s much-anticipated appearance saw him thwart the lurking threat of a hat-trick. However, his struggles were far from over. Earlier, in Pune, Kohli had been a part of a disobedient run-out that left him crestfallen.
. In Mumbai, a déjà vu moment unfolded. A risky call for a quick single resulted in his own run-out, a somber end to a frenetic stint at the crease. Within mere minutes, three wickets fell in seven balls, unraveling India’s tenacious work throughout the day. After hours of intense play amid Mumbai’s humidity, hopes of a first-innings lead lay in ruins.
Despite the disarray, one standout was Ravindra Jadeja, the architect of India’s earlier fight-back in challenging conditions. A strategic dismantling of New Zealand’s 87-run third-wicket partnership showcased his resilience. The sweltering conditions took their toll, with Jadeja admitting, “It was very challenging. There was a time when I couldn’t even hold the ball. But at the international level, you have to be prepared for everything,” he explained, as his hands slipped on an ever-dampening ball.
India managed to bowl New Zealand out for 235, a seemingly livable total after having lost the toss. The team appeared to have regained lost ground until another top-order collapse left both spectators and players grappling for answers. “Only an individual player can tell what’s going on in their mind. Obviously, if you’re down 2-0, you panic and make mistakes,” stated Jadeja, as he addressed the pressing disappointment in the post-day press conference.
Jadeja’s words reflect an uneasy mix of acceptance and resolute determination as the innings transition to a critical phase of play. “In a team game, if there’s a mistake up there (top-order), we will do as well as we can with the batting in the first innings so that it will be easy for us in the second innings.”
As the team prepares backstage, another chance awaits, though risks loom large. With a second innings opportunity on the horizon, the team must rally, drawing strength from its lower order and Jadeja’s tenacity. Regaining momentum in the series remains a distant yet crucial ambition, though explanations and solutions appear equally elusive in the face of such harsh realities.