Watch: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli engage in animated discussion with Umpires over bad light

On Day 4 of the first Test match between India (IND) and New Zealand (NZ) being played in Bengaluru, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli engaged in an animated discussion with the umpires regarding bad light conditions. The visiting side initially took a commanding 356-run lead in the first innings.

However, India made a remarkable comeback, largely due to the efforts of debutant Sarfaraz Khan and the wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant. Their partnership of 177 runs brought the hosts back into contention, giving them a fighting chance in a game that had seemed all but lost. After losing the tail in quick succession, India had set a target of 107 runs for New Zealand to chase. Team India are looking to defend the low total while New Zealand were eyeing their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988.

After just four balls of the first over of the second innings bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, which included a close LBW (Leg before wicket dismissal) appeal against Tom Latham, the umpires decided to check the light conditions. Michael Gough and Paul Reiffel, the on-field umpires, pointed out that the light was not suitable for play to continue. This decision prompted an immediate reaction from the Indian camp.

Check out the viral Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli moment here:

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Last session could have helped India chip in with early wickets

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma engaged in what appeared to be a heated conversation with the umpires. The umpires, however, stood firm in their decision, prioritizing regulations. The final day of the match will see the Kiwis look to chase the mere total, whereas the hosts have a near-impossible task of picking 10 wickets and have a contention of winning the game.

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Notably, under cloudy conditions and with the last session, more often than not, bowlers tend to get help from both the breezy and pitch conditions at the stroke of twilight. Hence it was evident for both the Indian stalwarts to fume over denying Team India a chance to chip in with a few early wickets to put New Zealand under pressure in the run chase. As of now, India will hope to get early wickets on Day 5 morning or either a respite from the rain gods to have a drawn game on the cards.