Overconfidence? Fans slam India tactics in difficult Bengaluru conditions

The fans have slammed the Indian team for their tactics as the hosts were wrecked in the first hour of play after electing to bat first on Day 2 of the Bengaluru Test on October 17, Thursday. India lost 3 wickets for just 13 runs in the first hour.

In Short

• India lost Rohit, Kohli and Sarfaraz cheaply
• India won the toss and opted to bat despite overcast conditions
• Fans wondered why KL Rahul wasn't promoted up the order

The fans have slammed the tactics used by the Indian team after they opted to bat first in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand. After Day 1 was completely washed out, India won the toss on October 17, Thursday, and decided to bat first. However, the decision would quickly backfire for the hosts in Bengaluru.

The Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, were troubled by the New Zealand bowlers early on with swing on offer under overcast and cloudy conditions. The first to fall was Rohit, who was cleaned up by Tim Southee. Virat Kohli's return to the No.3 spot ended in disaster as he was dismissed for a 9-ball duck with Will O'Rourke bowling a beauty. Sarfaraz Khan, who came into the side after replacing Shubman Gill, also made no contribution to the scorecard as Devon Conway took a stunner to dismiss the Mumbai batter.

India were left reeling at 13 for 3 in 12.4 overs when rain came in to provide them some respite from the onslaught by the New Zealand pacers.

The fans weren't happy with a lot of decisions made by the team management, starting with toss. Many wondered why India decided to bat first, given that the pitch was under covers for two full days. Another one was to see KL Rahul not coming in at No.3, given that he is familiar with the conditions at the Chinnaswamy as he was the hometown boy.

IND vs NZ, First Test Day 2: Live Updates

Many were also surprised to see Rahul coming in behind Sarfaraz, who failed to make an impression with his chance at No.4.

Here's a look at some of the reactions:

India currently have Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant at the crease and will hope they can steady the ship.