On a crucial second morning of the final Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, a powerful counterattacking partnership between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant provided the much-needed momentum for the Indian innings. Their resilient stand of 96 runs showcased their skill and determination, bringing India within 40 runs of New Zealand’s first-innings total before the lunch break. Although Rishabh Pant fell just 25 minutes before lunch, his partnership with Gill ensured that India gained significant advantage in the session. New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi managed to claim the only wicket of the morning, but the visitors will be left regretting their missed chances earlier in the day.
The morning began with Rishabh Pant setting an assertive tone right from the first over. His impressive display against Ajaz Patel, striking three boundaries, indicated his intent to dominate. Shubman Gill, not one to shy away, also took on the New Zealand bowlers, especially targeting the spinners. However, this aggressive approach had its risks. Both Gill and Pant survived dropped chances, giving the New Zealand fielders reasons to lament their missed opportunities. Gill attempted an audacious shot against Glenn Phillips but ended up providing a catch to deep mid-wicket, which substitute fielder Mark Chapman failed to secure. Pant too offered a chance when his lofted shot off Phillips found its way towards Matt Henry at long-off, only for Henry to spill the chance.
Despite these early lapses, both batsmen played with great confidence and flair. During the first hour of play, the duo amassed a remarkable 77 runs in just 14 overs—boundaries flowing freely as the batsmen unsettled the New Zealand attack. The following hour saw a more measured approach as the Kiwi bowlers found better rhythm and precision.
. The careful balance of aggression and restraint kept India’s run rate healthy, as they inched closer to New Zealand’s first-innings total.
The crucial breakthrough for New Zealand came when Sodhi, on his return to the team, produced a sharp leg break that trapped Pant LBW. The decision, upheld on review as an umpire’s call, was a crucial moment for the visitors, temporarily halting India’s charge. Pant’s dismissal, after a well-crafted knock of 60, was a much-needed respite for New Zealand, who otherwise found the going tough on a pitch that offered variable bounce to the spinners.
The Wankhede pitch, known for assisting spin, presented its own set of challenges. With its inconsistent bounce, scoring runs was not a simple task, highlighting the significance of any potential first-innings lead. Both teams are well aware of the advantage this could provide as the match progresses.
New Zealand, who made 235 in their first innings primarily through substantial contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Will Young, aim to limit India’s lead. India’s response, however, prompted by Gill’s unbeaten 70 and Pant’s half-century, put them in a strong position as further play in the Test unfolds. While Gill remains steadfast at the crease, the Indian camp looks to capitalize on this platform to potentially build a commanding lead as they work towards securing a favorable result in the series decider.
As the match continues into the later sessions, both teams will look to leverage their strengths—in particular, navigating the tricky Wankhede surface. India will find confidence in their recovered momentum following the Gill-Pant stand, while New Zealand hopes to regroup and maximize any remaining opportunities to regain control. The Test series finale remains finely poised, promising an intriguing contest as both sides vie for supremacy.