Seemed like a lower order batsman: Harbhajan Singh slams Ajinkya Rahane

It has been a similar kind of story for India’s batting department in the second Test as the top-order failed miserably in both the innings just like the first Test. They have struggled to handle the fiery pace attack of the hosts New Zealand and the one who struggled the most on day two was Ajinkya Rahane.

The right-handed batsman was in total dilemma and felt clueless when short balls were bowled to him. Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner were relentless and kept hammering the ball in short and this created all sorts of problems for Rahane. He was hit on his gloves, on his body and even copped a few blows on his helmet as well. He then resorted to shuffling across the stumps and taking the ball on but did not look convincing.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, who is part of the commentary panel was unimpressed with Rahane’s approach and lashed out at the right-hander for not being able to cope with the short ball. He even threw a statement that the experienced batsman was playing like a tail-ender. The former Indian cricketers also labelled the innings of Rahane as his ‘worst’ ever.

India ended the day on 90 for 6 and they lead New Zealand by 97 runs. India’s fate now depends on the young Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari, who are still at the crease. Pant has faced only one ball before the end of day’s play while Vihari faced 12 balls. Considering the situation of the wicket, the men in blue need at least 200 runs to take the game down to the wire.

The Indian captain Virat Kohli failed in his last innings of the tour as well. He managed to score only 14 runs and finishes the tour with only one fifty under his belt.

As far as the hosts are concerned, they are in a terrific position to take away the series. Trent Boult has been exceptional with the ball so far as he picked up three wickets and conceded only 12 runs in 9 overs. Neil Wagner, De Grandhomme and Tim Southee also chipped in with one wicket each.