India's Fielding Blunder Haunts Bowlers in Bengaluru Test

India's Slip-Up: Missed Chance Haunts Bowlers in Bengaluru Test

India's bowlers were dealt a cruel blow on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru when a glaring fielding error allowed New Zealand captain Tom Latham to escape unscathed.

With India reeling from a dismal 46-run first innings total, their bowlers desperately needed early wickets to claw their way back into the match. In the 13th over, Mohammed Siraj delivered a short-of-length delivery that induced an edge from Latham's bat. The ball flew towards the slips, where Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were stationed at first and second slip, respectively.

To the astonishment of everyone, both fielders hesitated and the ball slipped through their grasp, racing to the third man fence. The catch was a routine one at the international level, and the lapse in concentration proved costly for India.

Rahul, who had earlier scored a duck with the bat, later suggested that he had not spotted the ball well. However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating on the match, suggested that the revamped slip cordon, due to the absence of Shubman Gill, may have contributed to the missed chance.

India captain Rohit Sharma, already facing criticism for his decision to bat first after winning the toss, was visibly frustrated by the fielding error. He threw his arms in disgust, expressing his disappointment with the team's performance in the field.

The missed chance proved to be a turning point in the match, as Latham went on to score a crucial 95 runs, helping New Zealand build a substantial lead. India's bowlers toiled hard but were unable to make further inroads into the New Zealand batting lineup, and the visitors eventually declared their innings at 348/10.

India's fielding woes continued throughout the match, with several other dropped catches and misfields. The team's poor fielding performance added to their batting woes, leaving them in a precarious position as they head into the second innings.

Tags: #IndiaVsNewZealand, #TestCricket, #FieldingErrors, #MissedCatches, #ViratKohli