Sat Nov 02 04:10:00 UTC 2024: ## India’s Top Order Suffers Another Collapse, Jadeja Blames Pressure
**Mumbai, India** – Despite a strong bowling performance, India’s top order crumbled once again on day one of the third Test against New Zealand, leaving their hopes for a series win hanging by a thread.
The hosts, trailing 0-2 in the series, were on track for redemption after dismissing New Zealand for 235, a total they would have accepted after losing the toss. However, a series of unforced errors and questionable decisions saw them lose three wickets in quick succession, mirroring the collapses witnessed in previous Tests.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in excellent form this year, was dismissed for 33 after missing a reverse sweep. The decision to send in nightwatchman Mohammad Siraj against a left-arm spinner on a turning pitch was also questioned, as he was clean bowled first ball. Virat Kohli, who came in after Siraj’s dismissal, was then run out in a desperate attempt for a quick single.
The pressure of the series deficit was evident in the top order’s performance, admitted Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. “When you’re down in the series, even small things always seem big,” he said. “If there’s a mistake up there (top-order)… the batters who are coming in tomorrow, by adding 6 wickets, we will do as well as we can to score 230 or more runs.”
Jadeja, who was instrumental in breaking a crucial 87-run partnership for New Zealand, highlighted the physical and mental challenges faced by the players in the humid conditions. “It was very challenging,” he admitted. “There was a time when I couldn’t even hold the ball. But this is how it is at the international level.”
India will now rely on their lower order, led by Jadeja, to bail them out once again in the second innings and put pressure on the visitors. The team will have to address their mental fragility and avoid making the same mistakes in order to salvage their chances of winning the series.
First Piper 