In a gripping display of bowling prowess, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav seized control in the absence of the seasoned Ravichandran Ashwin, guiding India to a crucial 126-run first innings lead, which further extended to 170 as the hosts reached 44 for 1 at tea on the third day of the third Test against England.
England endured a significant setback, witnessing a sudden collapse from a promising 290 for 5 to being all out for 319 in 71.1 overs.
Siraj emerged as the chief architect with impressive figures of 4 for 84, while Kuldeep's early twin strikes set the tone for India's dominance.
Despite the absence of Ashwin due to a medical emergency in the family, senior bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja contributed with one and two wickets respectively, ensuring India's seamless transition in the bowling department.
India's second innings began cautiously, but skipper Rohit Sharma's departure for 19 added pressure on the inexperienced middle-order.
Sharma fell victim to a delivery from Joe Root, adjudged leg-before as he missed a slog sweep.
At the conclusion of an enthralling second session, India's lead swelled to 170 runs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 19 and Shubman Gill on 5 at the crease.
The pitch at the Niranjan Shah Stadium retained its characteristics from the preceding days, offering occasional low bounce and movement for the bowlers.
England's aggressive batting approach yielded both rewards and pitfalls, notably evident during the lower-order collapse.
Skipper Ben Stokes' attempt to take on Ravindra Jadeja ended in a mistimed shot, with Jasprit Bumrah taking a fine catch at deep midwicket.
Following Stokes' dismissal, Ben Foakes fell victim to Siraj's precision, with Rohit Sharma completing a routine catch at mid-on.
Earlier in the day, Bumrah and Kuldeep spearheaded India's resurgence with their probing bowling. Kuldeep's accuracy in the absence of Ashwin provided a welcome relief for Indian skipper.
As England's innings teetered on the brink, Siraj swiftly dispatched Rehan Ahmed and James Anderson, consolidating India's control over the Test match.
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