New Zealand will follow India's bowling blueprint in Pune Test: Luke Ronchi

New Zealand will follow India’s bowling blueprint on Day 2 of the Test match in Pune, said assistant coach Luke Ronchi. Speaking at the press conference after Stumps on Day 1 of the 2nd Test, Ronchi said that they have picked up a thing or two about the bowling strategies. Washington Sundar (7/59) and Ravichandran Ashwin (3/64) combined to keep New Zealand to 259 in the first innings as India reached 16/1 at stumps on the opening day.

Ronchi emphasised the importance of varying pace, a tactic that proved instrumental for the Indian spinners. “If you noticed, the Indians started out by bowling quite quickly for the first couple of sessions,” he explained.

“Towards the end of their spell, they began to slow their pace down, and that’s when they really started to get wickets.” This strategic shift allowed Ashwin and Washington to orchestrate a dramatic collapse of the New Zealand batting order after they appeared to be in a strong position at 197/3.

He praised Washington Sundar’s consistency in maintaining good lengths throughout his spell. “He was able to hit the right areas for extended periods, which was crucial for extracting the most from the pitch,” Ronchi noted. He highlighted a particular delivery that dismissed Rachin Ravindra, which showcased Washington’s skill. “He bowled from really wide of the crease, producing a delivery that straightened and hit the off stump. That’s a wonderful ball for any bowler.”

India vs New Zealand, 2nd Test, Day 1: Full Scorecard | Highlights

While the MCA Stadium pitch has not provided as much spin as both teams initially anticipated, Ronchi stated that the key for New Zealand would be to focus on building pressure through tight bowling. “Both teams might have thought this wicket would turn more than it has so far, but it’s essential for us to focus on our bowling strategy for tomorrow,” he said. “We need to bowl in good areas and capitalise on any variable bounce that the pitch may offer.”

Ronchi also pointed out that the pitch’s unpredictability means batters might not feel entirely settled during their innings. “We saw several deliveries today that jumped off a length, while others skidded through. It’s a surface that can catch batters off guard,” he remarked. This inconsistency presents a unique challenge for both teams, making the upcoming bowling performance from New Zealand even more critical.

As play resumes, Ronchi’s insights highlight a clear strategy: New Zealand aims to learn from India’s effective bowling approach, focusing on variations in pace and maintaining tight lines to exploit the conditions. With the match still poised in the early stages, how New Zealand adapts to these challenges could determine the outcome of the Test. The coaching staff’s emphasis on tactical bowling adjustments could play a significant role in their quest for wickets as they look to turn the tide in their favour.

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