Day 3 of the Bengaluru Test match saw India struggling to maintain control despite a promising start in the morning session. India, who were looking to make early inroads into New Zealand‘s batting, found success initially when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Daryl Mitchell, followed by Jasprit Bumrah‘s scalp of Tom Blundell. These two breakthroughs had briefly given India hope of clawing their way back into the contest after having bowled out cheaply the previous day.

However, their momentum was soon halted by a resilient New Zealand side. Rachin Ravindra‘s composed century and Tim Southee’s aggressive fifty undid all of India’s early progress, leaving Rohit Sharma‘s men on the back foot heading into the lunch break. Despite picking up four wickets in the first session, the Indian bowling attack faltered in the latter half, allowing New Zealand to build a commanding lead of 299 runs by lunch that ultimately stretched to 356 before getting bundled for 402.

Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee turn the tide for New Zealand

New Zealand, who had resumed Day 3 at 180/3, were soon reduced to 233/7 after some spirited bowling from India, with Ravindra Jadeja claiming crucial wickets of Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry. The pressure seemed to be mounting on the Blackcaps, but Rachin displayed immense maturity under pressure, crafting a well-constructed hundred. This was his second Test century and his first in Asian conditions. His knock was pivotal in stabilizing New Zealand’s innings after a shaky start. Ravindra, in partnership with New Zealand former captain Southee, staged a remarkable recovery.

Southee, known for his ability to counter-attack, played an innings that completely shifted the game’s momentum. His quickfire 65 off just 73 balls, laced with three sixes and three boundaries, allowed Rachin to play more freely and take on India’s bowlers. The duo’s partnership not only frustrated India’s bowling unit but also ensured New Zealand extended their lead significantly. Their century-plus stand for the eighth wicket was particularly damaging, adding 58 runs in the last four overs before lunch, which took the game away from India.

Also READ: IND vs NZ: New Zealand’s fast bowler Tim Southee surpasses Virender Sehwag’s feat on Day 3 of the first Test

Sanjay Manjrekar suggest Rohit Sharma to follow MS Dhoni’s example

Former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar voiced his concerns over Rohit’s captaincy, stating that the current Indian skipper needs to adopt a more proactive approach to match situations.

On Day 3, while India had moments of brilliance in the morning, including early wickets, their inability to maintain pressure allowed New Zealand to escape and ultimately dominate the session. Manjrekar mentioned on social media that if Rohit could learn from Dhoni’s tactical preemptive changes, India might have been able to stem the flow of runs earlier and prevent the game from slipping away.  Manjrekar pointed out that Dhoni had an uncanny ability to anticipate game scenarios and make bowling changes just before things spiraled out of control.

“Dhoni had this very unique ability to preempt & make a bowling change before the damage went out of control. Rohit needs to bring that quality into his leadership,” Manjrekar wrote on X.

Dhoni had this very unique ability to preempt & make a bowling change before the damage went out of control. Rohit needs to bring that quality into his leadership. #IndvNz

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 18, 2024

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Fans erupt as Rachin Ravindra lights up Chinnaswamy with a stellar century on Day 3 of 1st Test

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