The clash of titans between India and New Zealand in the first Test of the three-match series is unfolding at Bangalore's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This match seems to be straight out of a Bollywood thriller. With constant interludes from rain, predicting the match's outcome is a challenge for even the most seasoned cricket experts.
The first innings of the Indian team wrapped up rapidly at a mere 46 runs. In response, New Zealand amassed a robust 402 in their initial innings. By stumps on Day 3 (October 18), India had strong-armed their way to 231 for 3 in the second innings. They remain 125 runs behind New Zealand with seven wickets in hand, and two full days of riveting cricket still await. Indeed, suspense akin to a Bollywood film abounds.
Despite trailing by 125 runs, this game is far from settled in New Zealand's favor. The spirited counterattack by India in their second stint can tilt the scales. Not to mention, nature might play a part in India's favor.
Claiming meteorological advantage is not far-fetched... According to Accuweather.com, there's a 25% chance of rain in Bangalore on Saturday (October 19), with the probability increasing to 40% on the concluding day, Sunday (October 20). Subsequently, play on the fourth and fifth days might face interruptions, leading to a conceivable match draw.
Now, how can India brace themselves to unsettle the New Zealand team, alter the course, and clinch victory? Here's the strategic insight.
1: Sarfaraz’s Stellar Performance Needed
Sarfaraz Khan, playing just his fourth Test, is crucial as he clings onto the crease with 70 runs. His chance is to mirror his domestic feats of marathon innings in the international arena. With a first-class triple century under his belt, his domestic record reads an impressive 4422 runs in 51 matches, boasting averages of 69.09 and a strike rate of 70.75, spotlighting his potential for marathon innings.
2: Hopes on Rishabh Pant
The good news is Rishabh Pant will bat in India's second innings. After sustaining an injury, he makes a return. Without Pant, Dhruv Jurel took up the wicketkeeping, part of the 15-member squad. On the second day, Pant's left knee injury drew concerns, but encouraging signs of batting practice lifts India's hopes. His presence can indeed rattle New Zealand.
Source: aajtak
3: KL Rahul’s Critical Performance
KL Rahul's proficient play at Kanpur should translate in Bangalore against Bangladesh. His superb innings of 68 in Kanpur highlights his home-ground advantage at Chinnaswamy Stadium, having extensively played there for Karnataka, his domestic team.
If Rahul anchors the innings on Day 4, India's prospects of turning the tables rise. Rapid scoring coupled with strong defense will erect a formidable target in the second innings.
Source: aajtak
4: Batting Contributions from Ashwin and Jadeja
In Chennai against Bangladesh, R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were India's saviors, stitching innings of 113 and 86 runs respectively. They also scalped 11 wickets combined. Their all-round performance could spell doom for New Zealand.
5: Bowling Unit’s Counter-Attack
While the current focus may be on batting, India's bowlers must gear up for a counterattack if New Zealand nears a big target. The synergy of Bumrah, Siraj, and the spin trio (Jadeja, Ashwin, Kuldeep) is imperative, understanding that Chinnaswamy's pitch poses challenges in the fourth innings. Pressure mounts on the bowlers to pluck wickets and lead a resurgence.
