Kohli's Run Out Triggers India's Collapse in Mumbai Test

In a dramatic turn of events during the third Test match, India found themselves in a precarious position after a chaotic 10-minute spell that saw them slump from a promising 78-1 to a dismal 86-4. This collapse came after New Zealand, having been bowled out for 235, sensed an opportunity to secure a clean sweep in the series. The match, held at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, showcased the challenges faced by the Indian batting lineup against New Zealand's spinners, particularly Ajaz Patel, who played a pivotal role in turning the tide.

On day one, India started strong, with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal building a solid partnership. However, the situation quickly deteriorated. Virat Kohli, the Indian captain and a key player, was run out for just four runs after a reckless single attempt. This incident marked the beginning of a rapid decline for the Indian team. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar had earlier performed admirably with the ball, helping to restrict New Zealand's scoring. Jadeja's impressive figures of 5-65 highlighted his effectiveness as a left-arm spinner, while Sundar contributed with four wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Daryl Mitchell and Ajaz Patel.

As the day progressed, the Indian batting order crumbled under pressure. Jadeja noted that “everything happened in 10 minutes,” emphasizing the need for the team to build partnerships to recover from such setbacks. The loss of Kohli, along with the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Siraj, left India trailing by 149 runs at the close of play. New Zealand's bowlers, particularly Matt Henry and Ajaz Patel, capitalized on the situation, creating a sense of urgency and excitement among their players and fans alike.

Daryl Mitchell, who was New Zealand's top scorer with 82 runs, expressed optimism for day two, stating that it would be a “big session” for the visitors. He acknowledged the pressure they had built and the importance of taking more wickets to maintain their advantage. The match remains evenly balanced, with both teams having opportunities to seize control.

As the series progresses, the Indian team must reflect on their performance and strategize effectively to avoid similar collapses in the future. Building partnerships and maintaining composure under pressure will be crucial if they hope to turn the tide in this match and the series. The upcoming days will be critical for both teams, as they vie for supremacy in this thrilling Test series.