Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble questioned the Indian team's decision to send star batter Virat Kohli at number three during the IND vs NZ 1st Test, asserting that he is the team's best batter at the number four spot.

During the ninth over of the first innings, pacer William O'Rourke dismissed Virat for a nine-ball duck. After removing skipper Rohit Sharma, New Zealand claimed the crucial wicket of Virat, as the 35-year-old batter tried to play a delivery just short of length on off-stump but encountered extra bounce. Virat attempted to defend on his toes, but the ball caught his top glove before flying towards Phillips at leg gully, who took a fine catch.