Team India has made a remarkable comeback in the ongoing Bengaluru Test against New Zealand. After a shaky start in the first innings, where India scored just 46 runs, New Zealand dominated with a 356-run lead by scoring 402 runs. However, India fought back on day three, with 231 runs on the board and only three wickets down. With a lead of 125 runs remaining, and seven wickets in hand, India is still very much in the game.
As the fourth day approaches, here are five key strategies that can help India turn the tide in their favor.
1. Sarfaraz Khan Needs to Play a Big Innings
One of the most important tasks for India on the fourth day is for Sarfaraz Khan to continue his excellent form. Sarfaraz, who has been in top shape, hit his half-century in just 42 balls and is now just 30 runs short of a century. His ability to handle the New Zealand spinners with ease has been a key factor in India’s recovery.
If Sarfaraz can maintain his composure and bat through most of the day, it will significantly improve India’s chances of setting a competitive target. A big innings from him could not only reduce the deficit but also put New Zealand under immense pressure.
2. Rishabh Pant Could Be the Game Changer
Rishabh Pant’s presence on the field could be a deciding factor for India’s performance on day four. Although there are concerns about his availability due to a leg injury he sustained while keeping on day two, Pant was spotted practicing his batting, suggesting he might be ready to return.
If Pant is fit to play, he has the potential to change the course of the game with his aggressive batting. Known for his ability to take on the opposition bowlers, Pant’s fearless approach could be exactly what India needs to build a lead and put New Zealand on the back foot.
3. KL Rahul Must Deliver Like in Kanpur
KL Rahul’s contribution on the fourth day will be crucial. Although India has lost three wickets, the team still has hope if the middle-order batsmen can hold strong. Rahul, in particular, needs to replicate his outstanding performance from the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh, where he played a match-winning innings.
Rahul’s ability to rotate the strike and score quickly while maintaining his wicket will be key for India’s survival and success. A steady partnership with Sarfaraz or any of the incoming batsmen could turn the game in India’s favor.
4. Ashwin and Jadeja Must Contribute with the Bat
While India’s top order has done a decent job so far, the team still has batting depth with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja waiting to come in. Both players have proven their ability to contribute with the bat, especially in lower-order situations. Their contributions could be pivotal in extending India’s lead and giving the bowlers a solid total to defend.
In the previous series against Bangladesh, Ashwin and Jadeja played crucial roles with the bat, showing their resilience and skill under pressure. A similar performance in Bengaluru would provide the Indian team with the buffer it needs to attack New Zealand on day five.
5. Spin Bowlers Must Be Ready to Shine
Although India’s current focus is on building a solid lead, the spin bowlers will play a vital role if the team can’t post a massive total. The Bengaluru pitch is known to favor spinners in the later stages of the match, especially in the fourth innings, where the surface tends to deteriorate.
Ashwin and Jadeja will have to bring their A-game in case the match becomes a low-scoring affair. Their ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch could be the deciding factor in restricting New Zealand’s batting line-up and securing a win for India.
Conclusion
Team India has shown resilience in the Bengaluru Test so far, and with seven wickets in hand, they are still in a strong position to win. The fourth day will be critical, and the performances of Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ashwin, and Jadeja will determine the outcome. If these players can execute their roles effectively, India has a good chance of overcoming New Zealand and taking the lead in the series.
