In the opening Test, Virat Kohli’s crucial wicket on the final ball of day three offered some relief to New Zealand. Kohli, after scoring 70, along with Sarfaraz Khan (70 not out), had added 136 runs for the third wicket, taking India to 231 for three at stumps. Kohli’s dismissal, edging Glenn Phillips to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, was a significant moment for the visitors.
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra emphasized the importance of this wicket, considering Kohli’s immense experience with over 9,000 Test runs. Ravindra noted that breaking this partnership was key to New Zealand’s chances of putting pressure on India as the game progressed.
Ravindra’s Century and Valuable Preparation
Rachin Ravindra himself played a significant role in New Zealand’s performance, scoring a remarkable 134, his second Test hundred. His preparation for the subcontinent conditions was instrumental, particularly a training stint at the Chennai Super Kings Academy. This experience allowed him to adapt to the more challenging pitches he would face during the tour.
Ravindra acknowledged how training on red and black soil wickets helped him develop specific game strategies. Reflecting on his century, he expressed joy at achieving this milestone in front of his family, especially his father, Ravi Krishnamoorthy, making the occasion even more meaningful.
Battling India’s Spin Attack
Facing India’s spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra adopted a balanced approach of defense and attack. He highlighted the importance of trusting his defense to withstand the pressure from India’s formidable spinners. Partnering with Tim Southee, he built a valuable partnership, frustrating the Indian bowlers.
Ravindra acknowledged the challenging nature of the match but maintained a positive mindset, which allowed him to score freely once he felt more comfortable at the crease. His innings demonstrated his ability to adapt to conditions and exploit the shorter boundaries and fast outfield at the Bengaluru ground.
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