Listed at No.3, Virat Kohli has had his share of failures in that position throughout his 116-Test career. Kohli has batted at No.3 just six times, averaging merely 19 runs with no half-centuries, his highest being 41. Given his current form, many thought he would love to stay at No.4, where he found success on a large scale.

Saba Karim Suggests KL Rahul!

As for India, Saba Karim, former wicket-keeper of India even went on to suggest that KL Rahul should bat at No. 3 as it might suit him well as he has an experience at the top order. Kohli still took the gamble by stepping onto the field in the seventh over to an applauding home crowd. His effort was shortlived as he was dismissed for a duck off just nine balls as he was caught out by a rising delivery from Will O’Rourke.

There were rain delays to the start of play on the first day, but conditions improved by Thursday under overcast skies. Rohit Sharma, winning the toss said, “We want to put runs on the board.” India has made two changes from the last Test, with Sarfaraz Khan coming in for Gill and Kuldeep Yadav for Akash Deep. New Zealand has stuck with three seamers, replacing Mitchell Santner with spinner Ajaz Patel.

Top Of The WTC Table

India, currently at the top of the World Test Championship standings, heads into the final match of the series against New Zealand as they seek to seal a 3-0 victory in a bid to try to improve their chances for the final at Lord’s next June. New Zealand has hardly had much to show for their subcontinental tour; having already been washed out of a Test against Afghanistan and now trailing 2-0 down in the 2-match series against Sri Lanka.

The second Test will start on October 24 in Pune, while the third one will be played on the 1st of November in Mumbai.