Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricket player, hailed Rachin Ravindra and Sarfaraz Khan after their sensational display during the opening Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru.

While Rachin was the fulcrum of New Zealand's memorable display on Day 2 and 3, Sarfaraz tried to overshadow Rachin's efforts by taking the fight against the visitors with his dazzling 150.

This led Tendulkar to highlight cricket's cultural impact, as Rachin scored runs at a venue tied to his family roots.

Sarfaraz, too, aggressively drove India's score with Rishabh Pant. The duo erased a 125-run deficit and added a 40-plus advantage over New Zealand before Sarfaraz lost his wicket to Southee.

"Cricket has a way of connecting us to our roots. Rachin Ravindra seems to have a special connection with Bengaluru, where his family hails from! Another century to his name. And Sarfaraz Khan, what an occasion to score your first Test century, when India needed it most! Exciting times ahead for both these talented youngsters," Sachin wrote on X.

Rishabh Pant (99) missed out on a hundred yet again, after Sarfaraz Khan's departure for 150 as New Zealand seized the momentum by keeping India to 438 for six at tea on the fourth day on Saturday.

India now lead by 82 runs, an unimaginable situation when they were bowled out for 46 in their first innings but New Zealand that remains in driver's seat in the series opener.

Ravindra Jadeja (4) was at crease after the second session had a delayed start at 1.50pm due to rain. KL Rahul (12) was caught behind at the stroke of tea break.

Pant and Sarfaraz stitched a 177-run stand for the fourth wicket at five runs an over that gave India an upper hand for the first time in this match.

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