3 big positives for India from their defeat in the 1st Test vs New Zealand ft. the second-innings fightback

Team India broke a few unwanted records as they fell to New Zealand by eight wickets in the first Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After being bowled out for just 46, Rohit Sharma and company suffered their first home loss to the Black Caps in 36 years.

Nevertheless, it wasn't all doom and gloom for India. As they gear up for the remaining two encounters, as well as a high-profile tour of Australia next month, they will have some encouraging facts to build on.

On that note, here are three big positives for India from their defeat in the first Test against New Zealand.

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#3 India nearly made a match out of it after being bowled out for 46

India v New Zealand - 1st Test - Source: Getty

After being bowled out for just 46 in the first innings, India were staring at a heavy defeat. It was hard to see them even compete to pull level in the contest, especially after New Zealand made an imposing 400-plus score thanks to a late rearguard effort from Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee.

But India are a plucky outfit, especially at home. Led by contributions from all of the top-order batters, coupled with a sensational 150 from Sarfaraz Khan and a brilliant 99 from Rishabh Pant, the hosts managed to take the lead. At one point, it even looked like they would take one big enough to challenge the Kiwis in the final innings.

While a lower-order collapse meant that New Zealand had a very reachable target, India still managed to make a match out of it - almost, at least. That was a great sign from a team that needs to stage a similar comeback in the remaining two Tests.

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#2 Sarfaraz Khan made the first daddy hundred of his Test career

India v New Zealand - 1st Test - Source: Getty

If there was one thing we knew about Sarfaraz Khan, it's that he loves making big centuries. His domestic record is ample proof of the same, with the batter having the tendency to easily cross the 150-run mark once he reaches three figures.

Fortunately for India, the same trend continued at the international level. Sarfaraz made his maiden Test hundred and ensured that he was at the crease long after the milestone. He was more than happy to turn the strike over to Rishabh Pant, who was going great guns against the spinners at the other end.

Having an accumulator in the middle order, one who can also switch gears and play at a high pace if needed, is something India have missed for quite a few years now. Sarfaraz's performance in the Bengaluru Test will hold them in good stead going forward.

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#1 Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav bowled well, in phases

India v New Zealand - 1st Test - Source: Getty

New Zealand were ahead for large portions of the first two innings of the Test. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj couldn't replicate what the Kiwi fast bowlers did with the new ball, putting the onus on the spinners to pull the game back.

Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav did that to a decent extent, picking up three wickets each and threatening the opposition batters on a regular basis. While Jadeja's length accuracy meant that New Zealand couldn't dance down the track to him very easily, Kuldeep bowled a dangerous first spell before fading later in the match.

Nevertheless, the duo's performances will be key for India going forward, with turning tracks expected in the remaining two matches. With Ravichandran Ashwin not being at his best, Jadeja and Kuldeep need to step up and ensure that they use the home conditions to the team's advantage.