After a disastrous Day 2 that saw India crumble to their lowest-ever Test score at home, the hosts face a daunting task on Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand. With New Zealand holding a commanding 134-run lead, the onus falls on the Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, to make early inroads and restrict the visitors' advantage.
Rohit Sharma's decision to bat first on a damp Bengaluru pitch backfired, leaving India with an arduous task. While he remains hopeful of a better batting performance in the second innings, the immediate priority is to limit the damage. Bumrah and his fellow bowlers must strike early and often to keep India in the contest.
New Zealand will resume their innings at 180/3, with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell looking to build on their overnight partnership and further extend their lead. The Indian bowlers will need to be at their best to dislodge this pair and prevent New Zealand from running away with the game.
