'…Who Knows They Can Actually Win This Test': Anil Kumble's Bold Prediction Ahead of Day 4 in Bengaluru

After registering their lowest-ever total in Test cricket, Team India is fighting back in the second innings of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The hosts posted 231/3 at Stumps on Day 3, and trail by 125 runs.

In reply to New Zealand’s 366-run lead, the Indian openers gave a solid start before captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli formed a promising partnership. Rohit went on to score 52 runs off 63 deliveries before losing his wicket after reaching his half-century. Kohli then joined forces with Sarfaraz Khan, putting up a century stand for the third wicket.

The former Indian skipper lost his wicket on the final ball of the day, getting dismissed for 70 off 102 balls, while Sarfaraz remained unbeaten on 70 off 78 deliveries.

Speaking on JioCinema after the final session, former India captain Anil Kumble predicted that the hosts could very well take the lead by the end of the morning session on Saturday.

“India will get close or can even take the lead by lunch (on Day 4). If they can ahead by 150 runs or so then who knows they can actually win this Test,” Kumble told Jio Cinema.

“We know how Indian batters bat. If they can get to that 150 ahead or 175 ahead, then it is a tough ask for New Zealand because every run India scores beyond 125 lead, New Zealand will be thinking We’ll have to get a few runs more now so that will add to the pressure. That’s a thought that can be unnerving and I am sure India will ride on that,” he added.

On Day 3, Rachin Ravindra scored a century, propelling New Zealand to a total of 402 in response to India’s first-innings score of 46. Ravindra played an impressive knock, scoring 134 runs from 157 balls, which included 13 boundaries and four sixes. As Day 4 approaches, India will aim to build on their batting performance from the previous day and put up a strong resistance.