Rachin Ravindra showcased his resilience with a stunning century as New Zealand entered lunch on day three with a commanding first-innings score of 345-7, holding a substantial lead of 299 runs over hosts India in the rain-affected opening Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Resuming play at 180-3, the tourists relied on Ravindra’s unbeaten 104 runs to navigate a challenging morning session, with former captain Tim Southee providing crucial support, also remaining not out on 49. Ravindra, who has roots in Bengaluru, celebrated his second Test century with a swept four off Ravichandran Ashwin, earning enthusiastic applause from the local crowd.
The pair formed an unbroken 112-run partnership, compounding India’s struggles as New Zealand continued to build their lead. Earlier, India suffered a shocking first-innings collapse, being bowled out for just 46 runs—their lowest total on home soil—as New Zealand’s fast bowlers excelled in gloomy conditions after the opening day was washed out.
Daryl Mitchell’s innings ended at 18 when he fell to a loose shot against Mohammed Siraj, finding Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully. Jasprit Bumrah then made his mark by dismissing Tom Blundell for 5, caught at slip by KL Rahul, as the two pacers exerted sustained pressure on the New Zealand batting lineup.
While Siraj and Bumrah troubled the batsmen with their pace, it was the introduction of spin that shifted momentum. Ravindra Jadeja broke through by clean bowling Glenn Phillips for 14, leaving New Zealand at 223-6. Matt Henry followed suit, falling for 8 after hitting a couple of boundaries, as Jadeja claimed his third wicket.
Despite the setbacks, New Zealand remains in a dominant position, with Ravindra and Southee looking to extend their lead further in the ongoing session.
