India Ends Day Three at 231-3, Trailing New Zealand by 125 Runs

India bounced back from a dismal first-innings score of just 46 to close day three of the first Test against New Zealand at 231-3, trailing by 125 runs in Bengaluru. Sarfaraz Khan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 70 forming a solid partnership of 136 runs for the third wicket with Virat Kohli, who fell for 70 on the final ball of the day. Captain Rohit Sharma contributed 52 while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 35 before Ajaz Patel dismissed both players quickly.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 402 in their first innings which gave them a substantial lead of 356 runs. Rachin Ravindra played a standout innings scoring 134 runs from 194 balls, featuring 13 fours and four sixes before becoming the last wicket to fall. He shared an impressive eighth-wicket partnership of 137 runs with Tim Southee, who provided valuable support with a brisk 65, hitting five fours and four sixes.

Opener Devon Conway also made significant contributions scoring 91 runs off just 105 deliveries. On the bowling front, Indian spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav shone by each taking three wickets to help curb New Zealand’s innings. However, India faced an injury setback as wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant remained off the field due to a knee injury he sustained on day two.

This injury is particularly concerning because it involves the same knee that had sidelined him for over a year following a serious car crash in December 2022. After the first day washed out, India recorded a total of 46 runs on day two, marking the third-lowest in their Test history and the lowest at home. This score highlighted the team’s struggle before their determined fightback.