India faced a challenging scenario on day three of the low-scoring third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, going to lunch at 92-6 while chasing a target of 147 runs. Rishabh Pant was the only bright spot for the hosts, batting on 53, with Washington Sundar at six.
 
Ajaz Patel proved to be a thorn in India's side, taking four wickets and putting the Indian top order under severe pressure. Rohit Sharma's struggles continued as he fell for 11 after a rash shot, and Shubman Gill, who excelled with a score of 90 in the first innings, managed just one run before being bowled. 
 
Virat Kohli also couldn't make an impact, edging Patel's delivery to slip for just one run. The situation worsened when Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped lbw by Glenn Phillips for five, and Sarfaraz Khan hit a full toss directly to Rachin Ravindra, leaving India at a precarious 18-5.
 
Ravindra Jadeja attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 42 runs alongside Pant, but a spectacular catch by Will Young dismissed Jadeja, leaving India reeling at 71-6. Earlier, New Zealand had resumed their second innings at 171-9 and were quickly bowled out for 174, with Jadeja taking five wickets for 55 runs, adding to his five-wicket haul in the first innings.
 
Having already lost the series, India was desperate to avoid a 3-0 defeat, a scenario not faced in home series since 2000 against South Africa. With a five-match tour of Australia on the horizon, the team hoped to find some form and morale from this match.