**India Lose Rohit, Day 1 Highlights: IND Vs NZ**

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Post on Oct 24, 2024

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India Lose Rohit, Day 1 Highlights: IND vs NZ

The first day of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur saw a fascinating battle unfold, with India losing Rohit Sharma early but fighting back to end the day on a strong note. The pitch, expected to be a turner, offered assistance to both spinners and seamers, making it a captivating contest for the fans.

Rohit's Early Departure and the Fightback

The day began with India winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, the joy was short-lived as Rohit Sharma fell early, caught behind off Tim Southee for a duck. This early setback put India on the backfoot, with Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara needing to rebuild the innings.

The duo put on a crucial 51-run partnership, with Pujara looking particularly solid, before falling victim to Ajaz Patel's spin. The Kiwi bowlers continued to create pressure, with Kyle Jamieson and Southee keeping the Indian batsmen on their toes.

However, Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli took the fight to the New Zealand bowlers in the post-lunch session. Iyer, in particular, looked in excellent touch, scoring his half-century with a flurry of boundaries. The duo played with aggression and intent, adding 72 runs for the fourth wicket.

A Strong Finish and a Key Partnership

As the day progressed, Ravindra Jadeja came out to bat with Kohli and the pair steered India towards a strong finish. Kohli, playing his 100th Test, looked determined to end the day on a high, reaching a half-century himself. He played with a blend of caution and aggression, showcasing his class and experience.

Jadeja, on the other hand, provided valuable support, reaching a quickfire 30 before being dismissed late in the day. However, India managed to post a respectable total of 258 for the loss of five wickets at stumps. The day's final partnership, a 52-run stand between Kohli and Jadeja, proved to be crucial in giving India a strong finish.

Key Takeaways from Day 1

The first day of the Test match threw up several key takeaways:

• The pitch is a turner: The Kanpur wicket offered ample assistance to spinners, with Ajaz Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin picking up wickets.
• India's middle order is in good form: Iyer and Kohli's partnership showed that the Indian middle order is in excellent form.
• Kohli's experience shines through: Kohli's 100th Test was a special occasion and he marked it with a crucial half-century, showcasing his experience and leadership qualities.
• The battle is far from over: Despite the loss of Rohit Sharma, India managed to end the day in a good position. The match is set to be a thrilling encounter, with plenty of twists and turns expected.

The first day of the Kanpur Test has laid the foundation for an exciting series. With the pitch offering turn, and the Indian batsmen finding their rhythm, the next few days promise a captivating contest between two strong teams.