India faced New Zealand in a crucial third Test match at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, with conditions promising to favor the bowlers early in the game. The Indian bowling lineup quickly capitalized on the pitch’s moisture and spin-friendly characteristics, keeping the New Zealand batsmen in check and securing critical early wickets. The opening day saw India’s spinners, Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin, demonstrate their skill, while New Zealand’s batters, particularly Tom Latham and Will Young, aimed to stabilize the innings but struggled under India's relentless attack.

Pre Game Conditions and Strategy:

The Wankhede pitch, known for its variable spin and bounce, played a decisive role on the first day. With a slight moisture layer, experts like Murali Kartik anticipated that the track would offer assistance to spinners from the beginning. Historically, 84% of wickets in the last five Test matches here had been claimed by spin, setting high expectations for Ashwin and Sundar to deliver from the outset​.

India’s Dominant Start:

Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to rest, India’s bowling squad opened with confidence. The new ball quickly claimed the wicket of Devon Conway, who fell to Akash Deep’s accurate delivery, giving India a solid start and halting New Zealand’s momentum. Sundar took advantage of the spin-friendly conditions, claiming crucial wickets, including Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra, just before lunch. This early success left New Zealand at 92/3 at lunch, with only Daryl Mitchell and Young showing signs of resistance.

New Zealand’s Middle Order Struggles:

After lunch, Ashwin took over from Sundar, tightening the grip on New Zealand’s middle order. Ashwin’s variations and Sundar’s precise line-and-length deliveries ensured a constant threat. Mitchell and Young tried to create a stable partnership, but the pitch’s turn and unpredictable bounce proved challenging. New Zealand's attempts to accelerate their score were thwarted by India's consistent breakthroughs.

Shubman Gill and India’s Response:

In India’s brief stint at the crease towards the end of Day 1, Shubman Gill showcased his form, confidently facing the New Zealand bowlers. Gill, along with Jaiswal, began to build a solid opening partnership, with both players driving boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. By stumps, India’s score stood at 86/4, maintaining the upper hand on Day 1. The battle continued into Day 2 with India expected to solidify their lead in the first innings​.

As the 3rd Test progresses, Wankhede’s conditions are expected to become even more spin-friendly, presenting India with a strategic advantage. Sundar and Ashwin’s stellar performance on Day 1 has placed India in a commanding position, and with their batsmen off to a promising start, India is poised to capitalize on this advantage further. New Zealand’s hopes will rest on their bowlers, who will need early breakthroughs on Day 2 to keep the series competitive.