India’s chase of 334 against New Zealand got off to a calamitous start at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Friday, as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer were all dismissed for ducks inside the opening over.
New Zealand seamer Matt Henry delivered a devastating opening spell, removing both Indian batting stalwarts and leaving the visitors in disarray at 0/3 at the end of the first over.
IND vs NZ: India’s Top Order Crumbles
Rohit was the first to go, edging Henry’s delivery to Finn Allen on the very first ball of the innings. The early breakthrough brought Virat Kohli to the crease, but the former India captain lasted only four balls before Henry bowled him on the fifth delivery of the over.
The onslaught continued as Shreyas Iyer was dismissed from the final ball, completing a remarkable triple-wicket maiden from Henry and leaving India with a mountain to climb before their innings had even begun.
The collapse compounded India’s woes after New Zealand had posted a commanding 333 from their allotted 50 overs, placing the hosts firmly in control.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Falls Next
After a brief respite of a few overs, Ruturaj Gaikwad also perished, leaving India in deep trouble at 9/4 in the sixth over of the innings. Ishan Kishan held the crease on 3 from 14 balls, with Axar Patel joining him at the crease.
Fans React to India’s Stuttering Chase
Social media erupted with criticism as fans vented their frustration — and in some cases their sarcasm — at India’s batting. With the bowling effort having fallen short of expectations and the top order faltering badly in the chase, the mood among supporters was decidedly grim.
The way Rohit Sharma got out,is nothing but embarassment loading for SA #WC2027. The guy has no idea on seaming pitches despite huge experience,while refusing to make way for Jaiswal. This again vindicates Agarkar’s position about Rohit for which he(wrongfully)had to go #NZLIND
— Saumen Ghosh (@shomu_73) November 13, 2026″>
Although Indian fans largely want the Rohit-Kohli partnership at the 2027 ODI World Cup, this fan wants both of them to retire.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should retire https://t.co/RedX3srUwH
— (@wrendomx) November 13, 2026″>
@tarunt_ virat kohli and rohit sharma shouldve retired 3 years ago but not with their egos
— ®T WY (@_Iam_RKG_) November 13, 2026″>
Its been 2859 days, since Virat Kohli scored an overseas ODI century.#NZvIND #NZvsIND #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ https://t.co/KD7DRefeK1
— 𝗦𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗯 (@Sohaib66634213) November 13, 2026″>
The netizens also slammed Shreyas Iyer for electing to bowl first after winning the toss.
Will shreyas Iyer ever be brave and take a brave decision to bat first after winning the toss?? Such a coward captain..#nzvind
— IM GAME (@ZenFortune87) November 13, 2026″>
Lockdown Kids who are trolling Shreyas Iyer, doesnt know that INDIA were 76-2 in ICC WC 2023 Final then Shreyas Iyer came and INDIA score were become 76-3 https://t.co/MjgH8HzSE2
— ByesAndLies (@ByesAndLies) November 13, 2026″>
Matt Henry has rocked India ,0 for 3 ,What a horror start for With both the big guns #Kohli n #Rohit gone ,it will be test of character for the other batters ..lets see what they are made of !#Henry #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ #NZvIND #Shreyas #ViratKohli #RohitSharma #iyer #MattHenry
— Debajit Sen (@devbestie) November 13, 2026″>
@bha71435 @VinitYaduvnsh Those two selfish individuals needs to be thrown out as theyre not gonna retire virat kohli and rohit sharma and throw shreyas iyer out with them. Gautam Gambhir doesnt lose ICC finals, he may just lose if theyre there
— ®T WY (@_Iam_RKG_) November 13, 2026″>
