Last Updated:
Shubman Gill said the Indian team would need one partnership to get over the line and get a consolation win against New Zealand.
IND vs NZ, 3rd Test: Shubman Gill batting in Mumbai (AP)
Shubman Gill said India can take a consolation win against New Zealand on day three of the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.
With India looking to bowl out New Zealand and chase a target under 150, Gill said the team would need one partnership to get over the line.
“It’s all about one good partnership. When you are chasing a total which is around 150-160, if you have one good partnership of 70-80 runs, the match is done and dusted,” he said.
“That is what the conversation will be among the batters, to have one good partnership. For the fielding team, once there is a 70-80 run partnership when you are chasing 150, the body language of the opposition also drops,” he said.
Ravichandran Ashwin though admitted that a chase of around 150 won’t be very easy.
“We should wrap it up with one or two runs here and there. Every run saved in this innings is going to be critical for us when we chase it down,” Ashwin said.
“It’s not going to be easy and we have to bat really well.
“I expected a lot more bounce and speed from this Mumbai pitch. It has been quite slow, which is surprise for me… It’s not a typical Mumbai pitch.”
ALSO READ | Ravichandran Ashwin Hopeful India ‘Should Wrap It Up’ After Dominating New Zealand On Day 2
New Zealand won the opening match in Bengaluru by eight wickets for their first test victory in India in 36 years, and wrapped up the series in Pune with a 113-run win.
The last time India were blanked at home was in 2000, when they lost 2-0 to South Africa.
India suffered “a bit of panic” at the end of opening day but “one good partnership” of 70-80 runs on third morning should see the hosts through, said Gill.
“Yesterday, yes, there was a bit of panic, definitely,” Gill told media after stumps on Day Two after his 90-run knock helped India take the lead.
“But this is what Test cricket is all about. There are moments where you think everything is rattled and then there are moments like (when) we came this morning and we had a great first hour, hour-and-a-half,” added Gill, who shared a 96-run stand with Pant for the fourth wicket.
(With inputs from Agencies)
