Ravindra Jadeja's quick reflexes reminded fans of former India captain MS Dhoni.© X (Twitter)
India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja pulled-off a stunning run out on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test against New Zealand in Pune. The dismissal helped India bowl New Zealand out for 255 in the second innings. The incident happened on the 4th ball of the 70th over of New Zealand's innings. Glenn Phillips and Will O'Rourke tried to steal a couple of runs after the former hit Jadeja's short-pitched delivery towards deep cover. While it seemed that Phillips and O'Rourke would settle for a single, Washington Sundar was a bit late to react.
Phillips and O'Rourke sniffed an opportunity to make it a couple. Since the throw wasn't accurate from Sundar either, it seemed that O'Rourke would reach the non-striker's end without any trouble.
However, Jadeja showed great awareness as he palmed the ball towards the stump. The decision was referred to the third umpire and the replays showed that O'Rourke was just short of his crease when the bails went off.
No look
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 26, 2024
Only hit
Thala Thalapathy pic.twitter.com/MsaLuGcDAW
Jadeja's quick reflexes reminded fans of former India captain MS Dhoni, who had developed a knack of pulling off such innovating run outs.
Here's how internet reacted:
Guru shishya
— Coder's Things (@Codersthings) October 26, 2024
Chennai Super Kings poster for a brilliant run-out by Ravindra Jadeja, comparing it to MS Dhoni's style.#INDvsNZ #RAVINDRAJADEJA #MSDhoni #CSK pic.twitter.com/55RdjGEH41
— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) October 26, 2024
The MS Dhoni's way runout by Ravindra Jadeja.pic.twitter.com/H5OZQnPEFN
— Santhosh Bby (@smiley_shanthos) October 26, 2024
Meanwhile, New Zealand were 255 all out in their second innings
and within grasp of a historic Test series win in India with the hosts set a daunting 359 for victory.
The Black Caps resumed at 198-5 on day three of the second Test and although they were dismissed inside the first hour of play on a turning pitch, India were left needing a miracle in Pune.
The highest successful Test chase for India at home was 387 against England at Chennai in 2008.
New Zealand lead the three-match series 1-0 and have never won a Test series in India.
India spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja shared seven wickets between them, with Jadeja claiming three of the five to fall on Saturday morning.
Glenn Phillips hit an unbeaten 48 after starting the day on nine.
Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell added 11 to his overnight 30 before being bowled by Jadeja.
Jadeja soon got Mitchell Santner for four and Ravichandran Ashwin took down Tim Southee for a duck.
The innings ended with the run-out of William O'Rourke, leaving Phillips stranded after a knock of four fours and two sixes.
Skipper Tom Latham top-scored with 86.
Left-arm spinner Santner put New Zealand firmly in the driving seat on day two with 7-53 to bowl out India for 156.
India are staring at their first home Test series loss since December 2012, when Alastair Cook's England beat them 2-1 in a four-match series.
(With AFP Inputs)