IND vs NZ 1st Test: Super-sub Srikar Bharat reveals he only had 12 minutes to get set for the game – Despite not being part of the Playing XI, Srikar Bharat made his mark on the proceedings in Kanpur with his brilliant glovework behind the stumps. Bharat was called into action on Day with Wriddhiman Saha suffering an injury, and the Karnataka star showed his skill with some fine wicketkeeping on a difficult track on Saturday. The 28-year-old, who is yet to make his debut for India played his part in three dismissals as New Zealand were forced into a collapse, with Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin combining for eight wickets on Day 3. Follow Insidesport.in for all IND vs NZ LIVE Updates.
IND vs NZ 1st Test: Super-sub Srikar Bharat reveals he only had 12 minutes to get set for the game
India substitute wicket-keeper batter KS Bharat revealed that he only had 12 minutes to get ready for the clash against New Zealand in the ongoing first Test on Saturday. Bharat was included in the playing after Wriddhiman Saha had to be taken out due to the stiffness in his neck.
Speaking in a video alongside Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel on BCCI TV, Bharat said, “Normally, I was doing my morning routine and then the support staff told me to get ready. I only had 12 minutes, to get set for the game.”
The Karnataka keeper, who made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this year, took a sharp catch to end the opening partnership, dismissing Will Young for 89. Speaking of the catch, the 28-year-old said, “I knew the time I walked in that the ball is keeping low, so the best chance is to be behind the ball and keep making adjustments.”
IND vs NZ 1st Test: Super-sub Srikar Bharat reveals he only had 12 minutes to get set for the game
Meanwhile, Axar Patel also spoke about his low-arm ball that dismissed Tom Blundell and said that such deliveries won’t let the batter do anything. “Tom was playing defensive, so I switched to low-arm bowling. Such type of delivery won’t give time to batter to prepare for anything, and I just got him,” said Axar Patel.
India sealed a 51 run lead after New Zealand were eventually bundled out for 296, with Axar Patel picking up his fifth five-wicket haul in just his fourth Test for India. Ashwin picked up three, while Ravindra Jadeja and Umesh Yadav registered solitary scalps each. India ended Day 3 at 14/1, with Shubman Gill being dismissed.
