Twitter Reaction: Shikhar Dhawan's home struggle continues

Shikhar Dhawan’s poor run in the Test format continued after the opener was dismissed by Trent Boult for just 17 in the second innings. The left-hander had already flunked in the first innings, scoring just 1 run. His continued failure has now probably paved the way for Gambhir to make his return in the Test team.

The New Zealand pacers bowled smart today sensing the variable bounce which the pitch was offering. They mostly stuck to the back of good length and shorter lengths and the pitch did the rest of the job to leave the Indians frustrating in the middle.

Ross Taylor had no hesitation is attacking the Indians with the fast bowler and the decision was fruitful for him as Matt Henry struck twice in the morning, claiming both Vijay and Pujara. He induced an edge off Vijay’s bat in the 6th over and got him caught at slips and later trapped Pujara LBW in a controversial decision.

Shikhar Dhawan had somehow survived and was trying to settle down with Kohli for company. However, he could not stretch him stay at the crease for more than 32 balls and was dismissed LBW in the 11th over, just three overs after Pujara’s departure.

Dhawan tried to defend the ball going across the stumps but the ball which was pitched outside off stump nipped back in sharply and hit his pad which was right in front of middle stump.

Dhawan has been performing very poorly in home conditions. He has so far scored only 224 runs in 11 innings and averages only 22.4 at home since hitting the stroke full 187 on his debut at Mohali. Consistency has been an issue with him. His last Test century came against Sri Lanka at Galle where he made 134 in the lost Test and since then he has managed only one fifty in 8 matches.

And another! Dhawan's struggles continue. Boult traps him in front. India down to 34-3. Captain & Vice Captain in the middle #INDvNZ

— Sußhα Dey SRKian (@Subha_Roxx) October 2, 2016

If Bhumi Pujan Shikhar Dhawan Still Plays Next Test Match, I'll Retire From Test Cricket.

RT If You Want Gautam Gambhir. #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) October 2, 2016

All Indians batsman are getting Out So Virat Kohli Can explain every batsman Was Struggling lets Give Dhawan another Test to..

— Ankit Pandey (@Cricket_Ankit) October 2, 2016

Shikhar Dhawan just failed to beat the record of Brian Lara by 383 runs.

— BOBBEY (@iamsrktheking) October 2, 2016

Good bye Shikhar dhawan ? welcome back Gautam Gambhir

— Sushant (@i_Sushant10) October 2, 2016

Thanks for entertaining us Shikhar Dhawan, I want to see highlights also. Superb knock ?? #INDvsNZ #IndvsNZ

— Joker (@BeeLikeJoker) October 2, 2016

Dhawan has been very consistent in last few matches

— AyAvjnp (@AyAvjnp) October 2, 2016

https://twitter.com/Chaitanyaa89/status/782482274956652544

Dhawan can disappoint the team on any pitch. No matter it's Flat, Green or a Rank Turner. What a consistent player #IndvsNZ

— Abhishek ?? (@ImAbhishek_) October 2, 2016

And the rest is history. #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/RHpdMCaWHd

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) October 2, 2016

He is better than #Dhawan 🙂#INDvNZpic.twitter.com/hnJ0WD5tM4

— Ranbir Express (@BaruaSupam) October 2, 2016

Shikhar Dhawan right now. now welcome back Gautam Gambhir, hope you be there in the team for a long time. #INDvsNZ #GautamGambhir pic.twitter.com/cqWYP4eTm1

— Rakesh Sahu?? (@Rakesh_Sahu59) October 2, 2016

Farewell shikhar dhawan…he deserved a guard of honor??@RVCJ_FB @AnkitM03

— Sahil Gupta (@guptasahil9534) October 2, 2016

Shikhar Dhawan has flopped again, falling for 17 in the second innings. Should he play in the third Test? #indvsnz

— TheField (@thefield_in) October 2, 2016

If Gambhir didn't get selected for next test, I would file case against @BCCI ! Dhawan should be given forced rest #IndVSNz

— Rahul Kamble (@raahulpk) October 2, 2016

Dhawan also departs after doing Bhumi Pujan continuously!India in a trouble now!!All eyes on kohli who is already struggling! #indvsnz

— VIKASH KUMAR (@vkc1000) October 2, 2016

Even Baar Baar Dekho lasted longer than Shikhar Dhawan at the wicket #IndvsNZ

— Parag (@iparagdesai) October 2, 2016