ICC World Cup 2019: Twitter Reacts as India's Batting Order Fails in the Warm-Up Match Against New Zealand

The Indian team batting unit could not hit the ground running in their first warm-up match against New Zealand which is been played at Kennington Oval, London. India National Cricket Team skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat first. It was a brave decision from Kohli as the conditions were in favour of the bowlers. Hence, he wanted his batters to go through the testing conditions. India played with 13 players as Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav were given rest due to their respective injuries.

India didn’t get off to a good start as Rohit Sharma was plumbed in front by Trent Boult. The southpaw seamer got the ball to move back in and the Indian vice-captain could not get any bat. He was adjudged out by Kumar Dharmasena. However, he decided to go for the review but the call returned as umpire’s call.

Indian batting order collapsed like matchsticks.

Shikhar Dhawan soon followed his opening partner as the southpaw batsman was dismissed by Trent Boult. KL Rahul had a perfect chance to cement his place in the team. However, the right-hander could not grab it as he chopped the ball back on to the stumps.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was looking good but the talisman batsman was flummoxed by a slower delivery from Colin de Grandhomme. Hardik Pandya played some delightful shots in his innings and looked confident while he was at the crease. Pandya received support from former Indian skipper MS Dhoni who scored 17 runs from 42 balls.

New Zealand bowlers were right on the money.

Both the batters added 38 runs for the fifth wicket partnership as Hardik Pandya scored 30 runs from 37 balls with the help of six fours. Dinesh Karthik also had a chance to cement his place but the right-hander flicked an innocuous ball straight to deep fine-leg.

Ravindra Jadeja showed good form as he timed the ball with perfection. The southpaw batsman scored his runs at more than run-a-ball. The left-hander also completed his fifty off 47 balls. James Neesham and Trent Boult scalped three wickets each whereas Tim Southee snared one wicket.

Here is how Twitter reacted to India’s batting performance:

150 on board.. Thnk u Sir Jadeja? #INDvsNZ #CWC2019

— ?Shreya? (@shreya11mehra) May 25, 2019

Was keen to see Jadeja get some batting time. If Kedar isn't fit in time for the first game, might be tempted to play Jadeja in his place ahead of DK/Rahul. An 11 that bats till 7 with plenty of bowling options. Rohit Shikhar VK VS MSD Hardik Jadeja Bhuvi/Shami Kul Cha Bumrah

— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) May 25, 2019

Jadeja doing himself a massive favour for the June 5 game vs South Africa. #CWC19 #INDvNZ

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) May 25, 2019

1. KL in IPL
2. KL in ODI

BC no 4 ka abhi bhi Wahi haal

Hope he will get some runs in next match.#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/mcOJARvqlu

— Old account suspended .. Sharks ? (@iamShariqueRizv) May 25, 2019

*le Indian fans #jaddu #INDvsNZ #WorldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/GY8KlDNfTh

— Swarnav Jr.✪ (@Swarnav_Jr) May 25, 2019

Ravi Jadeja a tad reluctant with running the singles…?

The last time he was involved in a run-out on this ground, it was pretty heart-breaking.#CT17 #CWC19 #INDvsNZ #NZvIND

— Shruti Chopra (@itstarot) May 25, 2019

I know it is only a warm-up game but New Zealand are enjoying it more.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 25, 2019

Is Neesham allowed to tweet his reaction to DK's wicket?

— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) May 25, 2019

Batting first wasn’t a mistake. It was indeed the right thing to do…if you don’t challenge yourself in warm-up games, when will you? And you could also lose the toss in these conditions…. #INDvNZ #CWC19

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 25, 2019

The number of times Rohit and Shikhar have fallen cheaply to left-arm seam is getting worrisome. #IndvNZ

— Nitin Naik (@toi_nitinnayak) May 25, 2019

Are you kidding me with that shot?! 81-6. #CWC19 #IndvNz

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) May 25, 2019

India tottering at 81 for six as Dinesh Karthik is out to a horrendous shot.

— N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) May 25, 2019

The last time we saw a batting collapse against New Zealand during World Cup, the team went on to win the tournament. #CWC19

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) May 25, 2019

If you look at Neesham, he isn't looking to swing but hit the seam. He can work on it to consistently hit the seam #ICCWorldCup2019

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) May 25, 2019

In the warm up match, Indian batsmen feeling the heat…

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 25, 2019

Need Ravi Shastri to come out to bat now just like Collingwood fielded for England.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) May 25, 2019

Damn the @BLACKCAPS look good in black. #CWC2019

— Eric Young (@RealEricYoung) May 25, 2019