India’s Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill took the spotlight on Day 2 of the third Test, putting up a solid partnership that lifted India to 185/5 in the 39.4th over. With both young batters reaching their fifties, the morning session saw India countering New Zealand’s early edge and stabilizing their innings with aggressive play.

Pant and Gill dominate New Zealand bowlers in morning session

Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill brought an impressive start for India on Day 2, with both batters reaching their fifties to shift the momentum in India's favor. Shubman Gill played with determination, benefitting from a dropped catch on 45, and reached his fifty with precise strokes and well-timed boundaries. Pant, meanwhile, played a chanceless innings, reaching 60 runs off just 59 balls, showcasing his trademark aggressive style. The pair added 100-plus runs together, punishing the New Zealand bowlers and pushing the Indian score to 185/5 in the 39.4th over.

Gill’s solid 68 off 98 balls included several exquisite cover drives and disciplined shot selection, reflecting his composure at the crease. His partnership with Pant proved to be a much-needed lift for India after New Zealand’s early breakthroughs on Day 1. Pant, with his fearless batting, took on the bowlers from the outset, racing to 55 with boundaries and singles that kept the scoreboard ticking.

𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐢 🔥#INDvNZ #IDFCFirstBankTestTrophy #JioCinemaSports #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/Rf9qhP76PF

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 2, 2024

See Also: Watch: Hardik Pandya flaunts 'World Champion' ring, celebrating India's T20 triumph

India fight back against New Zealand’s early advantage

New Zealand’s bowlers initially found success on Day 1, putting India under pressure by claiming four early wickets. However, Pant and Gill's partnership on Day 2 shifted the tide, with the young duo anchoring the innings and taking India to a stronger position by the morning's end. The quick runs from Pant gave India a boost in run rate, and Gill’s solid technique kept the bowlers at bay, helping India build towards a competitive total.

The New Zealand bowlers, who seemed poised for a quick finish in the early stages, struggled to contain the aggressive pair as they adjusted their lengths but found little success. As the day progresses, India will look to Pant and Gill to continue their form and lead a counterattack that could potentially set the stage for a challenging total.