On a captivating third day of the first Test between New Zealand and India at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, Rachin Ravindra’s masterful century placed the visitors in a commanding position. The young left-hander, showcasing impressive composure and skill, delivered an unbeaten 104 off 125 balls, providing New Zealand with the much-needed counterattack after India threatened to make early inroads into the game.
The day began with hope for India as their pacers, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, hit the right lengths, each securing a wicket within the initial 30 minutes of play. Siraj managed to find the edge of Daryl Mitchell’s bat, safely carrying to the gully fielder to signal an early success for the hosts. Bumrah, channeling his renowned aggression and precision, soon followed by removing Tom Blundell, restricting New Zealand’s scoring and putting the pressure back on the visitors.
India’s spin spearhead, Ravindra Jadeja, who has often turned games with his deadly accuracy, further added to New Zealand’s woes. Jadeja’s guile trapped both Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry, dismissing them as they attempted to accelerate the run rate. At a precarious 193/3, New Zealand faltered to 233/7, and it appeared India’s hopes of halting the visitors were materializing to set up their own batting response shortly within the same session.
Yet, the narrative of the match took a dramatic turn with Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee at the crease. While the Indian bowlers aimed to wrap up the innings quickly, Ravindra’s impressive footwork and shot selection turned the tide. The young batsman seemed unfazed by the spinning ball, artfully using the crease’s depth to his advantage. His boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja, in particular, showcased his command over the conditions; he scored heavily against a bowler who had troubled many batsmen.
Ravindra and Southee forged a formidable 112-run partnership that not only stopped the hosts’ resurgence but decisively swung the momentum back in New Zealand’s favor. Southee’s role as a supportive ally was commendable, as he contributed an unbeaten 49 to complement Ravindra’s heroics.
. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s seasoned off-spinner, appeared unusually out of sorts. Ashwin, typically dependable, conceded runs in heaps, with one of his overs costing India 20 runs and concluding on a dismal note.
Indian cricket followers watched in frustration as what began as a promising morning session gradually dissipated. The sometimes overeager attempts by the Indian bowlers to deliver the finishing blows meant the spinners struggled to maintain consistency. Despite Jadeja’s best efforts, the partnership endured, ultimately stretching New Zealand’s lead to a sizeable 299 runs with the pitch expected to deteriorate further over the next two days.
Rachin Ravindra’s innings not only showcased his burgeoning talent but also highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in Test cricket. His century, punctuated by critical strokes under pressure, demonstrated a maturity well beyond his years. For New Zealand, this innings marked not just a personal triumph for Ravindra but a collective effectiveness of strategies in the face of early setbacks.
The significant lead and the psychological edge it provides now leave India pondering their approach for the remainder of the Test. The pressure mounts as their first innings mainstays underperformed, leaving them now to reverse the tide on a challenging surface. With conditions likely aiding the bowling side more as the days proceed, New Zealand’s position in the Test appears robust heading into the remaining days.
The Indian side now faces the task of batting with determination and intent, addressing lapses from the first innings, and hoping to mount a stirring comeback to contend in this match. As the cricketing world witnesses, the spotlight firmly remains on whether India can alter the narrative or if Rachin Ravindra’s profound performance stands as a decisive factor in the match’s outcome.