India's Rohit Sharma might be criticised for his performances in Test cricket, but there is no doubt about his ability to score runs, irrespective of the format. The right-hander played some delightful strokes in his 82-run knock, which bailed India out of trouble as the hosts had lost six wickets in the second session on Day 3.
One should also applaud Wriddhiman Saha, who supported Rohit to the core with his determined approach at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This solid partnership of 103 runs between the duo played an important role in helping India increase their lead to 339 runs, which puts them in a good position with two more days left for the Test match to end.
After India dismissed New Zealand for 204 runs earlier, India were asked to bat in the fist session on Day 3 as well. They did not give any wicket away before lunch.
New Zealand bowlers were required to dismiss the India batsmen for cheap runs, and they did so with Kohli's team losing their first four wickets for 43 runs, which later became 91/5. The pacers did all the damage with Matt Henry taking three wickets and Trent Bout scalping two.
The second session completely belonged to New Zealand, but the tide changed in the final session of the day with Rohit proving why he is one of the most talented batsmen in world cricket. In a pitch, where players from both sides failed to shine, Rohit was on a league of his own, scoring runs all around the wicket.
The batsmen showed some great character to stay at the crease and put India in a comfortable position. After seeing off early part of his innings, the Mumbai man got his eye, and played some wonderful cricket shots to put India in firm control of the match.
Irrespective of whether it was a spinner or a pacer, the right-hander began to open up and score runs with ease. With Rohit troubling the visitors, Saha also played a good hand, using his sweep shot and drives to full effect in the final session.
Rohit was looking good for a ton, but the batsman was unfortunately caught behind by Ronchi after playing a tremendous innings. It was an important knock from Rohit, who received a standing ovation from his team mates and the crowd at Eden Gardens. New batsman Ravindra Jadeja, after opening his account with a six, was dismissed in the same over.
The left-hander's wicket was the last to fall on the day, where Rohit shone brightly in a difficult surface. India ended Day 3 with their score reading 227/8, and a lead of 339 runs. Saha and Bhuvneshwar will resume India's batting on the fourth day of the Test match.
