Virat Kohli's Run-Out Highlights India's Dramatic Collapse on Day 1 Against New Zealand

Virat Kohli’s run-out encapsulated a chaotic final 15 minutes for India, marking a stark turnaround in their fortunes during the third Test against New Zealand. Heading into the last moments of the day, India was in a strong position at 78 for 1, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill at the crease. However, a sudden collapse saw them slump to 84 for 4, dramatically handing the initiative to New Zealand.

Kohli, who has been struggling to find form in the Test arena, was involved in a perplexing run-out that underscored India’s reckless decision-making. On the third ball of the 19th over, Kohli drove the ball towards mid-on but inexplicably attempted a single that was never on. Matt Henry, quick to react, made an accurate throw to the stumps, leaving Kohli no chance, even with a desperate dive. His innings ended after just six balls and a mere 4 runs.

As Kohli departed, the camera caught head coach Gautam Gambhir with a stoic expression, reflecting the disbelief shared by many in the Indian camp. Former head coach Ravi Shastri, who was commentating at the time, remarked on India's "harakiri" in the closing minutes, a sentiment that resonated with fans watching the match unfold.

This collapse began with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been looking solid but fell prey to a poor reverse sweep, losing his leg stump to leave the team at 78 for 2. He managed to score 30 runs but was once again unable to convert a promising start into a substantial innings. The situation worsened when Mohammed Siraj, sent in as a nightwatchman to protect Kohli, faced only one delivery before being adjudged leg-before wicket, burning a review in the process.

Overall, Day 1 saw a staggering 14 wickets fall, the most ever on the first day of a Test match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Earlier, India had done well to bowl New Zealand out for 235, with Ravindra Jadeja leading the charge with five wickets, while Daryl Mitchell top-scored for the visitors with a well-fought 82.

At stumps, India found themselves at 86 for 4, trailing by 149 runs, with Shubman Gill (31 not out) and Rishabh Pant (1 not out) set to resume batting on Day 2. The Indian side will need to regroup and find their footing to avoid further damage as they seek to claw back into the match.