One of the Worst Collapse for Team India?

One of the Worst Collapse for Team India in years?

At stumps, India stood at 86 for 4 (Gill 31*, Jaiswal 30, Ajaz 2-33), trailing New Zealand's total by 149 runs.

Ajaz Patel initiated a late collapse for India after Ravindra Jadeja’s impressive five-wicket haul restricted New Zealand to 235.

Jadeja bowled 22 uninterrupted overs in Mumbai's sweltering heat, earning his 14th Test five-wicket haul to help India bowl New Zealand out for a modest score. However, India's batsmen faltered at the end, with three dismissals in the final two overs of the day.

While Jadeja toiled, bowling tirelessly through the middle session, Washington Sundar, who took four wickets, needed frequent breaks to rehydrate. Despite signs of fatigue, Jadeja managed to dismiss key batters, particularly during a crucial spell where he kept the pressure on Mitchell and Young, who threatened with a solid 87-run partnership.

India initially found themselves in a strong position after Tom Latham elected to bat, with Latham himself leading New Zealand’s start. However, Washington sent him back with a precise delivery, and shortly afterward, Rachin Ravindra was dismissed, leaving New Zealand at a precarious 72 for 3. Mitchell and Young withstood a tense session, with both batters frequently edging but managing to survive until the pitch settled after lunch.

As conditions remained challenging with high temperatures and humidity, Jadeja continued his assault, ultimately bowling Young with a sharp, turning delivery at 94 kph and then dismissing Blundell with a similar ball that took off at 92 kph. His skillful variations led him past Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma on India’s all-time wicket-takers list.

In response, Rohit Sharma found some luck early on, but aggressive play led to his dismissal. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal steadied the innings with a promising 53-run partnership, but the final overs proved disastrous. Jaiswal fell to a reverse-sweep, a shot he had played successfully before, while Ajaz’s perfect delivery bowled Siraj, who burned a review. Kohli then came in but ran himself out due to an ill-judged run, leaving India with a challenging position going into the 

next day.