Jadeja and Ashwin's masterful bowling put India in control against New Zealand

Contributions from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, along with a quick cameo by Washington Sundar, helped India recover and take a slight lead in their first innings.

New Zealand 235 and 171 for 9 (Young 51, Jadeja 4-52, Ashwin 3-63) hold a slim lead of 143 runs over India’s 263 (Gill 90, Pant 60, Ajaz 5-103).

India's blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience left New Zealand struggling at 143 for 9 in their effort to avoid a first-ever home whitewash in a series of three or more Tests. The pitch, which had already seen 29 wickets fall in two days, posed a challenge. India’s recovery started with Gill and Pant’s 90 and 60 runs respectively, followed by a lively 38 off 36 from Sundar, pushing India’s lead past 25. Ajaz Patel was a threat throughout, taking his second five-wicket haul on home soil.

R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja then dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup, taking seven wickets collectively and preventing a large target on the deteriorating pitch. Despite ceding his new-ball duties to Washington, Ashwin played a pivotal role in enabling Jadeja's success. Will Young’s calm half-century and Glenn Phillips’ aggressive hitting ensured New Zealand had something to defend.

India’s youthful side responded well, with Gill and Pant adding 96 at a brisk pace after early losses of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Pant launched an early attack on Ajaz, hitting boundaries and forcing New Zealand to shift their field placements. Gill followed suit, recovering from an early dropped catch and patiently building his innings.

Ajaz Patel’s excellent post-lunch spell troubled the Indian lower order, dismissing both Jadeja and Sarfaraz Khan, the latter on his home ground. Washington Sundar stepped up, securing crucial runs in partnerships with Ashwin and Akash Deep to extend India’s lead.

In New Zealand's second innings, India turned to Washington and Ashwin, who took early wickets. Ashwin later brought Jadeja on from a more favorable end, yielding additional wickets. Jadeja removed Daryl Mitchell with assistance from Ashwin’s diving catch, and Ashwin’s carrom ball undid Phillips and Young.

Late hits from Henry and Ajaz couldn’t change the game’s direction, as Jadeja bowled Henry with a stunning delivery to end the day, setting up India for a strong finish.