India’s batting struggles in the first innings have become a recurring issue in the 2024-25 Test season. Despite the potential of players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India’s first innings performance has been far from impressive. With a series of low totals and below-par averages, India’s batting woes are now impossible to ignore. Let’s break down the stats and reasons behind India’s first innings batting woes in this difficult season.
A Closer Look at India’s First Innings Performance
India’s first innings batting in the 2024-25 season has been disappointing across the board. From low totals to poor batting averages, it’s been a season that has not lived up to expectations. Here’s an overview of the key statistics that highlight India’s struggles:
- Lowest Total in Sydney since 2001: India’s 185 all-out on Friday was the second-lowest first-innings total in Sydney since 2001. The lowest remains Australia’s 127 against Pakistan in 2010.
- Consistent Low Totals: In 2024-25, India has posted eight totals of 185 or less, the most by any team in a Test season. This highlights their inability to consistently put up competitive scores.
- Average Runs Per Wicket: India’s average of 18.74 runs per wicket in the first innings is the lowest for any team in a Test season with a minimum of five matches.
- Total First Innings Averages: India’s overall first-innings average of 22.92 is the lowest for any team in a season with ten or more Tests, further cementing their struggle with the bat.
The Lack of First Innings Centuries
Another glaring issue is the lack of first-innings centuries from India’s top order. Despite several opportunities, only two individual hundreds have come from India’s batsmen in 2024-25. The two centuries came from R Ashwin against Bangladesh in Chennai and Nitish Kumar Reddy against Australia in Melbourne, both batting down the order at No. 8.
- No Centuries from Top Order: None of India’s top seven batters have scored a century in the first innings throughout the season, which has raised serious questions about the team’s top-order consistency.
Virat Kohli’s Underwhelming First Innings Form
One of the most talked-about aspects of India’s first innings batting woes is the poor form of Virat Kohli. The star batter, who has been a mainstay in India’s middle order, has averaged just 12.6 in the first innings of the 2024-25 Tests. This is the lowest batting average for any top-seven player in a Test season with a minimum of ten innings.
- Kohli’s Struggles: This marks a dramatic dip in form for the Indian captain, who has been unable to produce his usual run-scoring consistency in the team’s most critical innings.
The Bumrah Factor: A Bright Spot in the First Innings
While India’s batting has been underwhelming, Jasprit Bumrah has been a standout performer in a different role. The pacer has been exceptional with the ball and has the most wickets (11) of the opening batters in the 2024-25 series, a feat matched only by Shane Warne in the 2005 Ashes and Stuart Broad in the 2019 Ashes.
- Bumrah’s Impact: His ability to take key wickets, particularly of the opening batters, has provided India with crucial breakthroughs. However, despite his efforts, India’s batting woes have overshadowed his contribution.
Looking Ahead: Can India Overcome Their Batting Issues?
With a number of Tests still to play, India will need to find a solution to their first innings struggles. Whether it’s a technical adjustment, a change in approach, or finding new opening partnerships, India’s coaching staff and players must address these issues if they want to remain competitive.
What Needs to Change:
- Top Order Adjustment: India’s top order needs to step up and deliver consistent performances. Players like Kohli, Rohit, and Pujara need to find their rhythm early in innings to build solid foundations.
- Better Techniques Against Moving Balls: With many of India’s failures coming against moving balls, improving their techniques against swing and seam will be crucial.
FAQs:
1. Why is India struggling in the first innings?
India has struggled with low totals in the first innings due to poor batting techniques, particularly against moving balls. The team has also failed to convert good starts into big scores.
2. What is Virat Kohli’s batting average in 2024-25?
Virat Kohli has averaged just 12.6 in the first innings of Tests in 2024-25, which is the lowest for any top-seven batter in the season.
3. How has India’s batting average been in the 2024-25 season?
India’s first-innings batting average of 22.92 is the lowest for any team in a Test season with ten or more matches.
4. Can India fix their batting issues before the next Test?
India will need to reassess their batting strategy, especially in the first innings, to stay competitive. Improved technical adjustments, especially against the new ball, will be key to their success.
India’s first-innings woes in the 2024-25 season have been undeniable. While there have been individual flashes of brilliance, the team as a whole has struggled to perform when it matters most. For the latest updates and analysis on India’s ongoing battle in Test cricket, stay tuned to FindCric.com.