Courtesy of Indian bowlers’ terrific performance on day 2, the home team bowled out New Zealand for a mere total of 62 in just 28.1 overs. Mohammed Siraj pushed NZ to the backfoot with 3 early wickets. The spinners carried the momentum ahead and bowled out NZ out early.

R Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers with 4 scalps while Axar Patel dismissed 2 batsmen. Since India had a lead of 263  runs, the Virat Kohli-led side had an opportunity to ask NZ to bat again to bring an early end to the game. But the team management decided against it and India batted again.

Surprisingly, there was no Shubman Gill as Mayank Agarwal kicked off the proceedings with Cheteshwar Pujara. The senior batsman has opened the innings in past but with Gill in the playing XI, he was confirmed to come out. Before the stumps on day 2, the BCCI announced the reason behind Gill’s absence. 

During the first innings of NZ’s innings, Gill suffered a blow to the elbow while fielding at short leg. He had to walk out off the field and was replaced by Suryakumar Yadav. Even though the opener came out to the field later, the blow was enough to keep him away from opening the innings.

Pujara, who is struggling for form in home conditions, batted for 51 balls for his unbeaten 29 runs. Mayank, who scored a century in the first innings, also batted strongly and remained unbeaten on 38 off 75. The duo added 69 runs in 21 overs before the play was called off early.

Pujara will hope to convert his start into a big score before the South Africa tour, where he could be dropped if he continues to struggle. As for Mayank, his century has added to the team management’s headache and it remains to be seen if he keeps his place when the regulars return in the playing XI.