India took a firm grip on the Mumbai Test at the end of Day 2, dismissing New Zealand for 171 runs in their second innings, leaving them with a lead of just 143.
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant forged a remarkable partnership that laid the groundwork for India's strong position.
Gill’s patient innings of 90 runs off 146 deliveries, combined with Pant’s explosive 60 from 59 balls, helped India establish a lead of 28 runs after their first innings total of 263.
The pair shared a vital 97-run stand, which proved instrumental in regaining control of the match at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, 2 November.
After starting the day at 86 for 4, the pressure was palpable on Gill and Pant, particularly following the events of the previous day.
Pant initiated the assault, smashing Ajaz Patel for three consecutive boundaries in the opening over, while Gill focused on rotating the strike effectively.
Pant's aggressive approach yielded eight boundaries and two sixes, bringing up his half-century in just 36 balls—a record in matches between India and New Zealand.
New Zealand's fielding lapses came back to haunt them as both Gill and Pant were given lifelines.
Mark Chapman dropped Gill when he was on 45, and a missed catch from Matt Henry denied Pant a dismissal, allowing the partnership to flourish.
However, Pant’s innings came to an end when Sodhi trapped him in front of the stumps, breaking the momentum of the Indian innings.
India reached lunch at 195 for 5, trailing by just 40 runs. But Patel's spin spell proved pivotal in shifting the balance.
Following a mid-innings collapse, Gill was finally dismissed for 90 by Ajaz, who claimed four wickets in total, while Washington Sundar added a valuable 38 runs. India ultimately succumbed to 263 all out.
New Zealand's second innings commenced poorly, losing Tom Latham to a spectacular delivery from Ashwin.
Devon Conway and Will Young steadied the innings, but quick dismissals left them in a precarious position. Jadeja and Ashwin capitalised on the situation, with Jadeja bagging four wickets and Ashwin contributing with three.
A counter-attack from Glenn Phillips, who struck 26 off just 13 balls, brought some excitement before Ashwin’s carrom ball sent him packing.
Young managed to reach his second fifty of the match but lost partners rapidly as Jadeja and Ashwin tightened their grip.
As the day concluded, New Zealand were hanging by a thread, ending with Young and Ajaz Patel at the crease.
The ongoing contest has showcased Gill’s evolution at the number three position, having garnered 805 runs in ten Tests this year, averaging above 50.
His growing prowess against spin will be crucial for India's success as they eye a run chase in the upcoming days.
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