India's hopes of salvaging a win in the third and final Test against New Zealand hinge on the shoulders of their senior batters, particularly Virat Kohli. The Wankhede pitch has proven to be a spinner's paradise, with 24 of the 29 wickets falling to tweakers so far.
New Zealand, who were bowled out for 171 in their first innings, hold a slender lead of 143 runs. India will likely chase around 150-160 when play resumes on Sunday.
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin have been India's standout performers with the ball, taking seven wickets between them. However, New Zealand's spin attack, led by Ajaz Patel, poses a significant threat.
Kohli has endured a difficult series, but his experience and class could prove invaluable in a tense, low-scoring contest. The former Indian captain has struggled for consistency, but he has the ability to produce match-winning performances when it matters most.
India's younger batters, such as Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, have shown promise, but they may struggle against New Zealand's spin-heavy attack. Senior players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma will need to handle the pressure and guide India to victory.
For Kohli, this match represents an opportunity to redeem himself and gain valuable form ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. A match-winning innings would not only give India a consolation win but also provide the veteran batter a much-needed confidence boost.
With New Zealand having spun their way to victories in Bengaluru and Pune, India will need Kohli to dig deep and navigate a challenging pitch to prevent a rare series whitewash at home. The stage is set for a classic fourth-innings battle, and Kohli's experience could make all the difference.
Tags: #ViratKohli, #India, #NewZealand, #TestCricket, #Wankhede
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