Stellar Partnership Propels India in Mumbai Test

A resolute 96-run partnership between Shubman Gill (70*) and Rishabh Pant (60) shifted the course of the game, giving India the upper hand on the second day of the final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Although Pant was dismissed 25 minutes before lunch, the steady partnership still resulted in a promising session for India, bringing them within 40 runs of New Zealand's first innings total. Despite a challenging comeback game, Ish Sodhi claimed the only wicket to fall, while New Zealand lamented missed opportunities earlier in the session.

Taking charge in the first over of the day, Pant unleashed on Ajaz Patel with three boundaries. This assertive display from Pant was mirrored by Gill, both keen to challenge the bowlers, particularly the spinners. Risk-taking was an integral part of their strategy, with both batsmen surviving a dropped catch each. These missed chances did not hamper the pair who continued to keep the run rate up, contributing to a total of 77 runs in the first hour of the day.

New Zealand's bowlers finally found their footing in the second hour, as Pant succumbed to a sharp leg break from Sodhi, bringing a wrecking LBW decision that remained on an umpire's review. Pant's departure provided a brief respite for New Zealand after a gruelling morning. As the pitch caters to the spinners and the bounce remains inconsistent, a significant lead in the first innings will be critical.

The brief scores stood at New Zealand 235, with Daryl Mitchell scoring 82 and Will Young 71. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar took 5-65 and 4-81 respectively. India were 195/5, with Gill unbeaten on 70 and Pant scoring 60, while Ajaz Patel took 2-76. New Zealand currently leads by 40 runs.