Day 3 of the India vs New Zealand Test in Bengaluru saw a dramatic shift as Indian batters, led by captain Rohit Sharma, finally found their rhythm. After a disappointing Day 2 and a first innings collapse, India started their second innings with determination, clawing back against a huge deficit.
New Zealand had earlier set a daunting total of 402, with Rachin Ravindra putting on a brilliant display, smashing a century. His knock of 134, coupled with Tim Southee’s rapid 65, took the visitors to a commanding lead of 356 runs. India’s bowlers, especially spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, shone through, each picking up three wickets, signaling that the pitch was starting to turn.
In response, Rohit Sharma led the charge for India, crafting a crucial half-century that steadied the team after losing Yashasvi Jaiswal early for 35. The captain’s innings of 53 included 8 classy boundaries and a lone sixer, giving India the hope they needed.
Next in line were Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan, both of whom were dismissed for ducks in the first innings. However, Day 3 was a different story. Virat Kohli, showing grit and finesse, scored a solid 70, bringing up a remarkable milestone of 9000 Test runs along the way. His partnership with Sarfaraz Khan kept the Kiwi bowlers at bay, with Sarfaraz playing an attacking role. The Mumbai batter was unstoppable, smashing 6 fours and 3 towering sixes to complete his fifty.
Unfortunately for India, the day ended on a sour note as Kohli was dismissed on the final ball of the day, edging one off Glen Phillips to the keeper. India finished at 231/3, still trailing by 125 runs, but with renewed hope for Day 4.
