‘We Have to Take It Session by Session’: Kuldeep Yadav on India’s Fightback

Bengaluru, October 19, 2024: Day three of the first Test between India and New Zealand ended with India still trailing by 125 runs after a crucial partnership between Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan was broken late in the day. Despite Kohli’s resilient 70, his dismissal by Glenn Phillips shifted the momentum back in New Zealand’s favor.

Reflecting on the day’s play, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav highlighted the challenges faced on a pitch that offered minimal assistance to spinners. New Zealand capitalized on India’s first-innings collapse (46 all out) by amassing 402 runs, thanks to a stellar 134 from Rachin Ravindra and a counter-attacking 65 from Tim Southee.

“It’s tough to control runs here,” Kuldeep said during the post-day press conference. “There wasn’t much turn yesterday, possibly due to the pitch being a bit damp. Without significant turn or rough patches, especially at this ground with its short boundaries, even good deliveries can be scored off. Credit to New Zealand, they batted really well. We made a good start today, but we are still 125 runs behind. We have to take it session by session.”

India’s decision to include three spinners, with Kuldeep replacing Akash Deep, could prove advantageous if the match extends into the final day. “Yes, if the game lasts until Day 5, spinners will have more purchase. Towards the end of the day, the ball began to turn. Hopefully, we can bowl on the last day, and it will favor us,” Kuldeep remarked. “Ideally, we would set a competitive target given our bowling line-up.”

Rachin Ravindra’s century stood out as the highlight of Day 3. His 137-run partnership with Tim Southee put India under pressure, and Kuldeep acknowledged Ravindra’s performance. “He played exceptionally well, choosing his scoring areas wisely. I had chances to get him out twice today. He has improved significantly over the last two years, especially against spin.”

Kuldeep also reflected on Southee’s innings. “My plan was straightforward — to get them out. Southee was fortunate today; his innings was chancy, but he ultimately added crucial runs for his team.”

India’s batting saw a spark through Sarfaraz Khan, who replaced Shubman Gill in the XI. The young batter played an aggressive yet effective knock, ending the day unbeaten on 70 off 78 balls. His unconventional shots disrupted New Zealand’s bowling plans. “We all enjoy watching him bat. After scoring a double century in the Irani Cup, hopefully, he will do the same here,” Kuldeep said. “His counter-attack against Ajaz Patel forced them to switch to pacers. I really appreciate his technique and find it entertaining to watch.”

With India still trailing, the focus on Day 4 will be on building a solid innings to set up a competitive target, hoping to leverage their bowling strength in the final stages of the match.