India captain Rohit Sharma’s batting woes continued on Day 1 of the third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sharma, who has been under scrutiny for his inconsistent performances this season, once again struggled to get going and was dismissed for a modest 18 off 18 balls. Facing New Zealand pacer Matt Henry, Sharma found himself in an awkward situation against a sharply rising delivery from a good length. Caught in two minds, he attempted to play at the ball but ended up edging it to Tom Latham at second slip, where the catch was comfortably taken. Despite being given an early reprieve after William O’Rourke dropped him at fine leg in the fifth over, Rohit could not make the opportunity count, compounding the pressure on himself as India’s opening batsman.
This season has been particularly challenging for Sharma, who has yet to replicate the form he showed earlier in the year. In his first few matches of 2024, he displayed remarkable consistency, amassing 400 runs across nine innings in the high-profile five-match Test series against England, maintaining a healthy average of 44.44 with the help of two centuries. However, the home season has seen a drastic decline in his numbers, with Sharma managing only 122 runs across nine innings at a low average of 13.55, his solitary fifty being the only highlight in an otherwise bleak run. As India looks ahead to an all-important five-match Test series against Australia, beginning November 22, Sharma’s form will undoubtedly be a major talking point. His experience and ability to provide a stable start are crucial for India’s top order, and his recent struggles could pose a significant challenge for the team.
While Sharma's form remains a concern, the Indian bowling attack delivered an outstanding performance on Day 1, making up for the lack of runs at the top. New Zealand was bowled out for a total of 235, a respectable but manageable score, thanks largely to the efforts of India’s spin and pace duo, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Jadeja starred with the ball, securing his 14th five-wicket haul with impressive figures of 5/65. Known for his ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions, Jadeja’s disciplined line and length left the New Zealand batsmen struggling to find momentum. Washington Sundar complemented him brilliantly, picking up 4/81 from 18.4 overs, further tightening India’s grip on the game. Additionally, pacer Akash Deep contributed with a wicket, showcasing India’s well-rounded bowling depth.
For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell and Will Young were the standout performers with the bat. Mitchell scored a resilient 82, anchoring the innings with grit and patience, while Young added 71, helping to build a partnership that steadied the team after early losses. Their efforts provided some resistance to India’s dominant bowling, guiding New Zealand to a total that, while not imposing, still poses a challenge for India’s batting lineup on a track that could assist bowlers as the match progresses.
As the game heads into Day 2, all eyes will be on India’s batsmen to see if they can build a strong response to New Zealand’s first-innings total. While the home side aims to capitalize on its solid bowling display, Rohit Sharma’s form will remain under close watch. His role as a dependable opener is critical for India’s success, especially with high-stakes international fixtures approaching. For now, Sharma’s focus will be on regaining his rhythm and contributing to India’s cause, while the team looks to gain an early advantage in this third Test.
