Yashasvi Jaiswal's batting struggles deepened as he registered another failure in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A. With three successive disappointing innings on the tour, the India opener faces mounting pressure to find form ahead of the two-match Test series.Yashasvi Jaiswal's form is a cause for concern. (AP Photo) India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's batting crisis has deepened ahead of India's two-match Test series against New Zealand.
Jaiswal, India's first-choice Test opener alongside KL Rahul, has failed in his third successive innings on the ongoing tour of New Zealand, with another disappointing outing on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand-A on Saturday, October 31.India-A are playing a three-match red-ball series against New Zealand-A as part of their preparations for the upcoming Test assignment. Jaiswal, who struggled in both innings of the first unofficial Test, was unable to turn things around in the second game at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.The left-hander's latest failure adds to India's concerns ahead of the Test series, with the opener struggling to find runs despite getting opportunities to spend time in the middle during the tour games.Jaiswal had endured a difficult first unofficial Test, managing only 22 runs across two innings.
He was dismissed for 17 in the first innings before falling for 5 in the second, when Zak Gibson's bouncer got the better of him with a delivery that brushed his gloves before being caught at slip. His struggles continued in the second match, leaving him with another opportunity to find form before the Test series.Jaiswal already flaws in his batting technique that needed attention Instead of working on those weaknesses they started teaching him wicketkeeping techniques Hats off to those giving Jaiswal advice Another https://t.co/6MJFQy9pOd— Tide Bhai (@Public_Voice0) October 31, 2026TOP ORDER COLLAPSES AGAINIndia-A's problems were not limited to Jaiswal as New Zealand-A's seamers made full use of the conditions in Christchurch to put the visitors under pressure on the opening morning.
The hosts struck four times in the opening hour, with Fraser Sheat leading the attack and exploiting the movement available off the surface. India-A's batters also contributed to their own downfall, with poor shot selection accounting for several dismissals.Jaiswal was the first to fall, getting pinned in front of the stumps against Fraser Sheat in the very first over of the match.
Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan put together a strong first wicket partnership, but Sudharsan's innings was cut short by Jarrod McKay, after the left-hander played a loose shot outside off stump. Sudharsan went after a delivery that he could have left alone and was caught behind, giving New Zealand-A a much-needed breakthrough.Yash Rathod followed a similar pattern, falling while attempting a shot outside off stump.
Devdutt Padikkal, who had been one of India's more consistent batters during the first unofficial Test, departed after scoring a solid knock of 80 runs.The in-form Karnataka batter attempted to cut a delivery that was not wide enough and ended up chopping the ball onto his stumps.Smaran Ravichandran's dismissal further compounded India's problems. The batter was trapped leg-before-wicket for a golden duck after leaving an incoming delivery that moved back into him.Sheat picked up three of the four wickets to put New Zealand-A firmly in control during the opening exchanges.JUREL, WASHINGTON FIGHT BACKWith India-A losing wickets at regular intervals, Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar were left with the responsibility of rebuilding the innings.The pair adopted a cautious approach in the final hour of the second session, focusing on seeing off the New Zealand-A seamers rather than taking unnecessary risks.Jurel and Washington added 23 runs from 87 deliveries, providing some stability after the early collapse.
However, India-A still needed a substantial partnership to recover from the damage inflicted by the hosts.The visitors will be hoping the pair can carry their resistance into the final session and give the middle order an opportunity to build a competitive total.For Jaiswal, meanwhile, the second unofficial Test has brought another missed opportunity to regain confidence before the India-New Zealand Test series. With the opener having struggled across three successive innings on the tour, the remaining matches will be important for him to find some rhythm ahead of the international assignment.- Ends