IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli Falls at Stumps in Bengaluru Test on a high scoring day 3; India still 125 runs behind

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The third day of the Bengaluru Test between India and New Zealand ended on a dramatic note as India lost the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli on the last ball of the day, ending play on October 18 in an anti-climactic fashion.

The visitors, powered by a brilliant century from Rachin Ravindra and a determined half-century from captain Tim Southee, posted a commanding 402 runs in their first innings, gaining a lead of 356 runs.

Ravindra and Southee's vital eighth-wicket partnership of 137 runs off 132 deliveries was the highlight of the day. Their gritty stand blunted the Indian bowling attack for nearly 90 minutes, turning the tide after India had found a glimmer of hope by taking quick wickets earlier in the day.

The pitch, which had shown some life for bowlers in the extended morning session of Day 2, transformed into a more batting-friendly surface, allowing the visitors to capitalize and build a substantial total.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand resumed their innings at 180/3, with Ravindra (22*) and Daryl Mitchell (14*) at the crease. Mohammed Siraj provided India with the initial breakthrough, courtesy of a sharp catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal at backward point to send Mitchell back for 18.

Ravindra Jadeja followed up with two identical dismissals, bowling out Glenn Phillips (14) and Matt Henry (8), which momentarily revived India's hopes of restricting New Zealand to a manageable total.

However, the partnership between Southee and Ravindra shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Kiwis. Ravindra completed a well-earned century, while Southee's aggressive approach ensured a healthy scoring rate.

New Zealand's innings finally concluded at 402 in 91.3 overs, with a run rate of 4.39 that left India facing an uphill battle. Ravindra Jadeja (3/72) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/99) emerged as the top wicket-takers for India.

India's Second Innings: A Steady Start, but Late Drama Unfolds

Facing a daunting deficit, India's opening pair, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, began their second innings on a positive note.

The duo put on a solid 72-run opening stand, showing determination after the disappointing first innings where India managed only 46 runs. Jaiswal, looking to make amends, reached 35 before an ill-timed attempt at a big shot off Ajaz Patel saw him stumped by Tom Blundell.

Captain Rohit Sharma continued to battle, reaching a hard-fought half-century. However, his innings ended in unusual fashion as he attempted to defend a delivery from Patel that trickled onto his stumps.

At 95/2, the pressure was on India's middle order, particularly on Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan-both of whom had failed in the first innings. Kohli, who delighted the home crowd at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with his classic strokes, anchored India's fightback alongside Sarfaraz.

Their partnership, worth 136 runs off 163 balls, brought stability to the Indian innings and offered hope for a potential comeback. Kohli, who reached his 31st Test fifty and became the fourth Indian batter to cross the 9000-run mark in Tests, looked poised for a century.

But in a twist of fate, Kohli nicked a delivery from Glenn Phillips to the wicketkeeper, getting out for 70 on the last ball of the day. The dismissal left India at 231/3 in 49 overs, still trailing New Zealand by 125 runs. Sarfaraz Khan remained unbeaten on 70 off 78 deliveries, displaying improved shot selection and footwork after his struggles in the first innings.

Looking Ahead: India's Uphill Battle Continues

New Zealand's bowlers, led by Ajaz Patel (2/70) and Glenn Phillips (1/36), managed to break through India's resistance at a crucial juncture.

Almost 450 runs were scored on Day 3, highlighting the changing nature of the pitch, which offered little for the bowlers as the day progressed. Kuldeep Yadav, addressing the media after stumps, mentioned the challenge of assessing the pitch as the runs kept flowing.

India faces a challenging task on Day 4, needing to chip away at the deficit while keeping wickets in hand. With Sarfaraz well-set and other batters waiting in the wings, they will aim to extend their innings as much as possible to keep the match alive.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will be eager to strike early and push for a historic Test win on Indian soil. The contest remains evenly poised, setting up an intriguing penultimate day.