Watch: Angry Rohit Sharma scolds Sarfaraz Khan on field during Bengaluru Test

India’s horror show on Day 1 of the Bengaluru Test saw Rohit Sharma lash out at Sarfaraz Khan for being out of position while fielding. New Zealand bowlers, led by Tim Southee, wreaked havoc, bowling India out for their lowest home-Test total.

In Short

• Rohit Sharma screamed at Sarfaraz Khan for fielding errors
• India’s batting collapsed, being bowled out for just 46 runs
• New Zealand openers Conway and Latham remained unbeaten after India’s collapse

India captain Rohit Sharma was visibly furious during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru on October 17, as he was seen screaming at his teammate Sarfaraz Khan for being out of position while fielding. This came during a particularly frustrating Day 1 for India, which saw them bowled out for just 46 runs—India’s lowest-ever total in a home Test. New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Tim Southee, William O’Rourke, and Matt Henry, dismantled the Indian batting lineup under overcast skies and a damp pitch, leaving India in dire straits.

he incident between Rohit and Sarfaraz highlighted the tense atmosphere within the Indian team. Rohit’s outburst occurred when India was desperately searching for early wickets against New Zealand’s opening pair, Tom Latham and Devon Conway, who were steadily building a partnership. Given India’s meagre total, getting early breakthroughs was crucial, but the Indian fielders appeared to be on edge, reflecting the pressure.

The collapse began early, with Rohit Sharma falling victim to Southee in the first hour of play. India’s decision to bat first backfired, as the pitch, covered for days due to rain, offered significant assistance to the New Zealand seamers. The Indian batting order crumbled, with as many as five ducks in their innings—Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and R Ashwin all failed to score.

New Zealand’s bowlers capitalised on the favourable conditions, tearing through the Indian lineup with ruthless efficiency. India’s inability to cope with the bowling onslaught set the tone for a frustrating day, culminating in Rohit’s visible frustration with Sarfaraz’s fielding. As the pressure mounted, India’s hopes of turning things around appeared slim, with the New Zealand openers standing firm at the end of a disastrous day for the hosts.