Rachin Ravindra’s class leaves India staring at defeat in Bengaluru Test

You give time and sweat to the game, and the game will reward you in return, says Rachin Ravindra (Image PTI)

You give time and sweat to the game, and the game will reward you in return, as it has for Rachin Ravindra. Around a month and a half ago, he was training hard at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai ahead of the long subcontinent season. That hard work is now paying off in challenging Asian conditions – first with a gritty 92 in Galle, and now with a flawlessly composed century in Bengaluru.

Coming in at No. 4, Ravindra comfortably reached 22 by the end of yesterday’s play. The first hour of a new day is always a particularly challenging period for any batter in Test cricket, but Ravindra began the morning with confidence. Mohammed Siraj overpitched one on the middle stump, and Ravindra meticulously flicked it through mid-wicket for the first of many boundaries. Despite India's dominance in the opening hour, taking three wickets, Ravindra was left stranded at one end as wickets continued to fall at the other.

Also Read: Tim Southee smashes Virender Sehwag's record after explosive show in Bengaluru Test

He was content to play defensively while the recognized batters were at the crease, but once the tailenders joined him, Ravindra began finding boundaries more regularly. It wasn’t easy, but such is Ravindra’s class that he made it look effortless against a top-quality Indian attack.

What makes Ravindra so good? Apart from his mental attributes like patience and determination, it’s his wristwork and judgement of length. His wristwork may remind you of Mohammad Azharuddin or VVS Laxman, and his footwork against spin is equally impressive. In short, there’s a lot to like about Ravindra. Rohit Sharma and the bowlers tried everything, but they had no answers to Ravindra’s onslaught. Every time he received a loose ball, he was quick to punish it.

As Ravindra and Tim Southee motored along, India employed an in-and-out field, with fielders on the boundary, but Ravindra's gap-finding was top-notch, and every plan India devised was undone by the young New Zealand sensation. Southee played his part as their 137-run partnership sapped India’s momentum.

Ravindra’s innings of 134 has put New Zealand in a strong position to assert themselves and push for victory. With a first innings lead of 356 runs, which is significant given the deteriorating pitch, New Zealand's bowlers have the potential to bowl India out as they did in the first innings. India now faces the threat of an innings defeat, which would hamper their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final.

To qualify for their third consecutive final, India would need to register three wins and a draw from their remaining seven Tests. Even if they win both remaining Tests against New Zealand, they will still need at least one win and a draw in Australia to secure qualification.

A loss or a draw in Bengaluru would still leave India at the top of the table, but it would damage their chances, even if only slightly.