India’s chances of mounting a comeback in the first Test against New Zealand suffered a significant blow on Day 3 when Virat Kohli was dismissed on the very last ball of the day at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The star batter had been crucial in helping India regain footing after they had conceded a daunting 356-run lead. His departure just as he seemed set for a pivotal century left both the home crowd and Indian dressing room stunned and deflated.
Virat Kohli, who came in at No. 3, initially found it challenging to settle at the crease, but as his innings progressed, he grew into his trademark, commanding rhythm. The experienced right-hander, who has carried the weight of Indian cricket for over a decade, showcased his masterful stroke play, manoeuvring his feet with precision, and playing intelligent sweeps to counter New Zealand’s spinners.
His steady accumulation of runs rekindled hopes of an Indian fightback. With the backing of a spirited Bengaluru crowd, Kohli reached his 31st Test half-century, his first in 2024. In the process, he also crossed the milestone of 9000 runs in Test cricket. Just as he seemed primed for a big score, disaster struck.
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On the final delivery of the day, Kohli was undone by Glenn Phillips. The New Zealand spinner bowled a flatter ball outside the off-stump, luring Kohli into a defensive shot. However, a faint edge carried to the keeper, and though Kohli reviewed the decision, the DRS confirmed the dismissal. The crowd fell into stunned silence as Kohli walked back to the pavilion, visibly frustrated.
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His wicket came as a gut-punch to India’s momentum, and captain Rohit Sharma, visibly shaken, knew the setback could be a game-changer. Earlier in the day, India had shown resilience in their second innings after being bowled out for a mere 46 runs in the first innings. New Zealand capitalized on that collapse with a strong total of 402, but India’s batters, led by Rohit Sharma and Kohli, refused to go down quietly.
Rohit Sharma registered a half-century before a stroke of bad luck saw him bowled out. Kohli then teamed up with Sarfaraz Khan (70*), but his untimely dismissal gave New Zealand the edge once again.
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As Day 4 approaches, all eyes will be on whether Rishabh Pant, recovering from a knee injury, will take the field to aid India’s cause. Pant has been practicing his attacking shots and could play a crucial role if fit enough to bat.
