IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Fans React as Rohit Sharma Falls for a Duck Against New Zealand in Pune Test, Call India Captain 'Clueless’

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Rohit Sharma's poor run in Test cricket took another hit as he was dismissed for a duck in the second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The Indian captain was bowled out by Tim Southee for a nine-ball duck.

This marked his first duck since the Boxing Day Test in December 2023. His dismissal has now brought his single-digit scores to five out of his last seven innings, raising serious concerns over his recent form.

Southee's delivery that claimed Rohit's wicket was nothing short of brilliant. The ball swung sharply, seaming off the surface and crashing into Rohit's off-stump, leaving him with no answer. This dismissal marked the 14th time Southee has taken Rohit's wicket in international cricket.

He equalled the record held by South African pacer Kagiso Rabada. Rohit's early exit added pressure to the Indian side, who had initially gained momentum by bowling New Zealand out for 259, thanks to Washington Sundar's impressive seven-wicket haul.

With just 16 runs on the board and one wicket down, India ended the day in a vulnerable position, needing a solid foundation from its remaining batsmen to turn the game around. Fans were quick to react on social media, expressing their frustration over the Indian skipper's inconsistency in red-ball cricket.

Many pointed out that while Rohit has had some explosive innings this year, his frequent early dismissals and single-digit scores have left India struggling at critical moments. One fan tweeted, "Congratulations To New Zealand on their first ever series wins in India. Congratulations to Rohit Sharma for making this history."

Another fan wrote, "Akashdeep did not even bowl a single over yet in 2nd innings & only 5 overs in 1st innings. Just Rohit Sharma clueless captaincy things when under pressure." A third fan wrote, "New Zealand's lead has reached 300+ and still have 5 wickets in hand. Rohit Sharma clueless at the time."

Rohit's poor form in Tests has been a recurring issue. Since India's loss in the 2023 World Test Championship Final, he has managed only three centuries and four half-centuries in 23 innings, with an average that's fallen well below his career mark. Fans and analysts alike are urging the skipper to bring a more cautious approach to his batting, especially in high-stakes matches.