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The second Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru has taken an unexpected turn, with Rachin Ravindra's remarkable century placing New Zealand in a commanding position and leaving India staring at a potential innings defeat. Ravindra's performance is a testament to his dedication and hard work, having honed his skills at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai before making his mark on the international stage. His previous gritty innings of 92 in Galle was a hint of his potential, but his century in Bengaluru solidified his status as a rising star in the world of cricket.
Coming in at number four, Ravindra displayed composure and resilience, navigating the challenging first hour of a new day with confidence. He skillfully countered India's dominant bowling attack, taking advantage of loose deliveries and showcasing impressive wristwork reminiscent of legends like Mohammad Azharuddin and VVS Laxman. His footwork against spin was equally impressive, leaving Indian bowlers searching for answers. His innings of 134, alongside a crucial 137-run partnership with Tim Southee, completely dismantled India's momentum and put New Zealand firmly in control of the match.
The significance of New Zealand's first innings lead of 356 runs cannot be overstated. With a deteriorating pitch favoring the bowlers, the Kiwis are well-positioned to enforce a follow-on or even secure an innings victory. India now faces the pressure of avoiding an embarrassing defeat, a scenario that would significantly hinder their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final. To make it to their third consecutive final, India needs a string of victories and a draw in their remaining matches. However, even with wins against New Zealand, they will still need at least one win and a draw in Australia to secure qualification. A loss or draw in Bengaluru, while not eliminating them from contention, would certainly damage their chances of reaching the final.
The current situation highlights the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. India, despite their dominant position in the World Test Championship table, find themselves in a precarious position. The pressure is now on Rohit Sharma and his team to regroup and find a way to salvage something from the match. However, Ravindra's century is a clear indication that New Zealand is a force to be reckoned with and poses a significant threat to India's aspirations in this series.
Source: Rachin Ravindra’s class leaves India staring at defeat in Bengaluru Test