MI’s IPL retention Rohit continues horrible form, SRH’s release Sundar impresses on ‘eventful’ Day 1 in Mumbai

It is not often that an India match is going around the corner, but still, it doesn’t garner massive buzz. The Rohit Sharma-led team is currently hosting New Zealand for the third and final Test at Wankhede Stadium. However, the IPL 2025 retentions have gained all the hype and traction, with the cream of Indian and world cricket getting released and retained yesterday. Among those huge retention was Rohit Sharma, who continued his horrible run with the bat in Test cricket.

Regardless, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s release, Washington Sundar, once again gave a great account of himself. Along with Sundar was Ravindra Jadeja, who wrecked havoc as well, picking his 14th five-wicket haul in the format. However, by the end of the day, it was New Zealand who went happy to the dressing room. After all, they plucked away four wickets, making India reel at 86/4, from being 78/1 at one point.

Washington Sundar makes a strong case after IPL 2025 release

Washington Sundar, whose release from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) raised eyebrows in the IPL retention list, delivered another masterclass in classical off-spin bowling at the Wankhede Stadium. Following his career-best 11-wicket haul in Pune, the 24-year-old demonstrated why he’s increasingly being viewed as the natural successor to veteran Ravichandran Ashwin.

His precise control and subtle variations proved too much for the Kiwi batters, particularly in the crucial morning session where his dismissals of Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra (both caught at slip with classical off-spinner’s deliveries) turned the tide in India’s favor, reducing New Zealand from a comfortable 59/1 to a precarious 72/3.

Sundar’s economy rate of 2.45 (in 1st session) and his ability to maintain pressure throughout long spells showcased the maturity that has developed in his game since his Test return after 2021. On a track where Ashwin went wicketless, Sundar claimed 4 wickets.

Will Young & Daryl Mitchell the saviours for New Zealand

New Zealand found themselves in the firing line and would’ve skittled under 150 had Will Young and Daryl Mitchell not come up with gutsy knocks. Young, who is not touted to be a great player of spin, has enjoyed a superb series but once again failed to get his maiden Test ton as he was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.

In conditions that saw the thermometer touching 35°C with 75% humidity, Mitchell’s 132-ball stay at the crease was a masterclass in batting against spin in subcontinental conditions. Despite visible fatigue and requiring medical attention multiple times, he forged a crucial 87-run partnership with Will Young (71). His innings, featuring seven fours and two sixes, was particularly impressive against the spin ball, using his feet decisively and employing the sweep shot effectively to disrupt bowlers’ lengths.

More on Cricket

In the middle of his longest slump in Test cricket, India’s captain Rohit Sharma was retained by the Mumbai Indians (MI) for ₹16.35 crore for the forthcoming IPL season. While this elated MI fans, what would not make them happy is his worrying form in Tests.

He was dismissed for 18 off 18 balls today after being caught at second slip by Matt Henry, continuing a worrying trend against pace bowling. In fact, in his last nine Test innings, Rohit has averaged a mere 13.55. His scores of 18, 6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 3, 52, 0 and 8 reveal a technical weakness that rival teams have progressively taken advantage of. Five of his previous nine dismissals have come via edges to the slip cordon, indicating a recurrent problem with bat-pad gap, especially when the ball is moving.

Ajaz Patel strikes twice at the end

India were rollicking when Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were dealing in boundaries following Rohit’s dismissal. They pounced on every good deliveries and had New Zealand bowlers on the backfoot until the 18th over that was bowled by Ajaz Patel.

The left-armer, who took a ten-wicket haul the last time he bowler here, castled Jaiswal, who had a horrible dismal. He tried to play a reverse sweep to ball that was well outside his reach. India sent Mohammed Siraj as the nightwatchman but unfortunately he was too easy to send back for Ajaz. The ball turn straight at the fag end of the day’s play, hinting that it might be extremely tough for the Indian batters tomorrow to get past the NZ total.

Virat Kohli with suicidal run

To make matters worse for India, Virat Kohli had himself run-out due to his own mistake. After hitting Rachin Ravindra for a four, he went for a suicidal run, ultimately finding himself a foot outside the crease.

India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Day 1: Summary

NZ opt to bat first:

New Zealand 1st innings: (235/10) (Daryl Mitchell 82, Ravindra Jadeja 5/65)

India 1st innings: (86/4 after 19 overs) (Yashasvi Jaiswal 30, Ajaz Patel 2/33)