Virat Kohli got the runs he has been looking for all series, and when Virat Kohli scores, India find themselves, more often than not, in a strong position. After the day one honours went to India, it will be up to New Zealand to chart a way back on day two of the third Test in Indore.
Kohli and Rahane are currently in a 167-run partnership and the plan, as far as India are concerned, will be to keep the alliance going and get the total to that 400-run mark, at the very least.
India are currently on 267/3, and with the pitch at the Holkar Stadium looking like it could open up any minute, any and all runs will be considered vital. Keeping New Zealand on the field for a long time on day two will also be the plan, because the more frustrated and tired the Kiwi players get, the easier it will be for the India bowlers to take advantage.
There were already signs on day one that this is going to be a pitch that the spinners will like more that the fast bowlers, so New Zealand need Jeetan Patel and Mitchell Santner to get their groove on and dismiss the likes of Kohli, Rahane and the India lower order as quickly as possible.
If India get past the 400 mark, it will be difficult for New Zealand, who will have to bat last on a pitch that already has a fair few cracks, to push for a win.
While a draw will not be seen as a bad result for either team, New Zealand will know, to salvage that bit of pride, they need to win and end the series 1-2.
However, Kohli has looked really good and while Rahane has been troubled by the short ball he has shown the determination that all great players have. It will not be a surprise if Rahane joins Kohli in the three-figure mark and becomes only the second batsman this entire series to score a hundred.
But then, it won't be that big a surprise either, if New Zealand take a couple of early wickets and arrest India's momentum.
Where to Watch Live
India vs New Zealand third Test match is set to begin at 9.30am IST (5pm NZT, 5am BST, 12am ET). Live Streaming and TV information is below.
India: TV: Star Sports 1/HD1 and Star Sports 3/HD3. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
New Zealand: TV: Sky Sport 3. Live Streaming: Sky Go NZ.
US and Canada: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.
Middle East: TV: OSN Cricket. Live Streaming: OSN Cricket Live.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 3. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
