Rachin Ravindra’s Century Bolsters New Zealand’s Lead Against India in Bengaluru Test

Rachin Ravindra‘s second Test century played a crucial role in cementing New Zealand’s commanding position on the third day of the first Test against India, held in Bengaluru on October 18, 2024. Ravindra showcased a composed and strategic innings, remaining unbeaten on 104 runs off 125 balls, effectively thwarting India’s attempts to curtail the damage after their early breakthroughs.

India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, initially made inroads, with each bowler claiming a wicket in the first 30 minutes. However, Ravindra Jadeja‘s initiative brought India some momentum as he managed to secure two wickets, reducing New Zealand’s score from 193/3 to 233/7. Despite this advancement, India struggled to dismantle the eighth-wicket partnership between Ravindra and Tim Southee, who contributed an unbeaten 49 runs, leading to a 112-run stand.

Ravindra demonstrated adeptness against India’s spinners, efficiently using his footwork and the crease to counter their attacks. He particularly dominated Jadeja and exploited his match-up, launching successful boundaries and sixes. Ravichandran Ashwin, usually a pivotal player for India, appeared less effective, conceding runs including 20 in the penultimate over of the session.

Despite exhibiting moments of brilliance, India’s bowlers faltered in maintaining their initial pressure. In the session’s latter half, eagerness became a hindrance, impeding their execution and composure. Jadeja stood out among the Indian bowlers, continuing to put Ravindra in moments of uncertainty, but India couldn’t dismantle the partnership.

New Zealand’s total stood at 345/7, with a lead of 299 runs by the end of the morning session. This remarkable lead was bolstered by the aggressive yet composed batting of Ravindra and Southee, who countered India’s early efforts and further widened the visitors’ advantage.

Earlier in the day, India’s pace duo Siraj and Bumrah had effectively restricted New Zealand, with Siraj dismissing Daryl Mitchell at gully and Bumrah removing Tom Blundell. Notwithstanding these efforts, New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips played an aggressive stroke-filled innings before succumbing to Jadeja’s bowling.

Ravindra, reflecting his confidence, skillfully navigated Kuldeep Yadav‘s bowling, attaining his fifty with a boundary and continuing his ascendancy by challenging the Indian spinners. Southee, displaying composure, provided steadfast support, even surpassing the milestone of 89 Test sixes, moving ahead of Virender Sehwag in the records.

The session’s dynamics underscored Rachin Ravindra’s growth in confidence and strategic gameplay, effectively altering the trajectory in favor of the visitors, enhancing their lead significantly as the match looked to progress on a challenging pitch.

Brief scores stood with New Zealand at 345/7, led by Rachin Ravindra’s century and assisted by Southee, while India trailed by 299 runs at lunch.