India vs New Zealand: Can India score more than 400 runs in the second innings?

Despite India being significantly behind in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the hosts can still stage an incredible comeback. He drew parallels to a historic match at Eden Gardens in 2001, where the Indian team, led by Sourav Ganguly, found themselves in a precarious situation after a poor performance in the first innings, having to follow on against Australia. In that memorable match, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman delivered a remarkable display of batting, forming an awe-inspiring partnership in the second innings that turned the tide for India. Their resilience and determination not only helped the team recover but also led to a famous victory, showcasing the potential for monumental comebacks in Test cricket.

Chopra’s comments highlight the unpredictable nature of the game and the possibility of redemption, even when the odds seem stacked against a team. As the current Test unfolds, he encourages players and fans alike to draw inspiration from past triumphs. The cricketing community remains hopeful that India can replicate that historic turnaround, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and teamwork. With the right mindset and effort, the hosts could still make this Test memorable and potentially shift the momentum in their favor.

"When it happened in 2001, no one had thought until then that it could happen. What happened in Kanpur, we hadn't thought that could happen as well. This match is on. I am not dreaming as of now but it's a possibility. The 46-run innings has passed. The wicket is going to be good. The opposition bowlers who picked up 10 wickets won't trouble you now. That's past," said Aakash Chopra. 

"Now the spin that will come will be Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel. You should back yourselves. Even your No. 8 batter has six centuries. So if you play like that, you might score 400-450. However, to reach there, you have to stop them first because if they reach a situation where they can declare, India will lose this match,"  he added. 

New Zealand began Day 3 at 180/3, holding a lead of 134 runs over India. The Indian bowlers started strongly, claiming four wickets for just 53 runs early in the day, sparking hopes of a potential comeback. However, Rachin Ravindra and former captain Tim Southee joined forces to halt India's momentum and stabilize the innings. Ravindra displayed impressive footwork against the spinners and looked comfortable against the pace attack, showcasing his growing affinity for playing against India. He navigated the challenges posed by the Indian bowlers with confidence and skill. Just before the Lunch break, he reached his century by hitting a boundary off Ravichandran Ashwin, marking a significant milestone in his innings.

At Lunch, Ravindra remained unbeaten on 104, while Southee contributed a solid 49, helping New Zealand to a total of 345/7. The tourists’ lead had now expanded to 299 runs, and they aimed to extend it further in the second session. As the match progressed, the partnership between Ravindra and Southee became increasingly vital for New Zealand, providing the stability needed to build a substantial lead. The Indian bowlers, despite their initial success, faced an uphill battle as they sought to break this crucial partnership and regain control of the match.