Subhayan Chakraborty in Bengaluru
On Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, India found themselves trailing by 125 runs after losing Virat Kohli on the last ball of the day. New Zealand, in response to India’s first innings score of 46, amassed 402 runs, thanks to a stellar century by Rachin Ravindra and a counter-attacking half-century by Tim Southee. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav acknowledged the difficulty in controlling runs on this pitch, particularly with the sun out and minimal assistance for spinners.
“It’s tough to control runs here. There wasn’t much turn yesterday, possibly due to the pitch being a bit damp. Without significant turn or rough patches, especially at this ground with its short boundaries, even good deliveries can be scored off,” Kuldeep said at the post-day press conference. “Credit to New Zealand, they batted really well.”
The day ended with Kohli’s dismissal at 70 by Glenn Phillips, breaking a 136-run partnership with Sarfaraz Khan. Regarding the strategy for Day 4, Kuldeep emphasised the importance of taking the game session by session.
“We need to bat well tomorrow. We made a good start today but we are still 125 runs behind. We have to take it session by session,” he added.
India chose to field three spinners, including Kuldeep, who replaced Akash Deep. Despite early struggles, the decision might pay off if the match extends into the final day.
“Yes, if the game lasts until Day 5, spinners will have more purchase. Today, towards the end, the ball began to turn. Hopefully, we can bowl on the last day, and it will favour us. Ideally, we would set a competitive target given our bowling line-up,” Kuldeep elaborated.
Rachin Ravindra’s 134 was the highlight of Day 3, including a 137-run partnership with Tim Southee, putting India under pressure. Kuldeep commented on Rachin’s performance, “He played exceptionally well, choosing his scoring areas wisely. I had chances to get him out twice today. He has improved significantly over the last two years, especially against spin. Hopefully, he won’t score as heavily in the remaining matches.”
Regarding Southee and Rachin, Kuldeep remarked: “My plan was straightforward — to get them out. Southee was fortunate today; his innings was chancy but he ultimately added crucial runs for his team.”
Sarfaraz Khan, who replaced Shubman Gill in the XI, showcased an unorthodox yet effective batting style, ending the day unbeaten at 70 off 78 balls. His innovative shots disrupted New Zealand’s bowling plans.
“We all enjoy watching him bat. After scoring a double century in the Irani Cup, hopefully, he will do the same here. He has a unique style and is particularly adept against spinners. His counter-attack against Ajaz Patel forced them to switch to pacers. I really appreciate his technique and find it entertaining to watch,” Kuldeep concluded
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With a lead of 125 runs, New Zealand is still ahead, but India knows they can make a match of this with seven wickets in hand.
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