KS Bharat, who is donning the gloves as a substitute for Wriddhiman Saha on Day 3 of the Kanpur Test between India and New Zealand, played a key role in helping the hosts get their maiden breakthrough.

The Kiwi opening duo of Tom Latham and Will Young were going strong in the first innings, having shared a stand of 151 runs. The Indian team needed a magic to break the partnership and Bharat produced one for the home side.

He took a fine low catch off R Ashwin’s bowling and then persuaded stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane to opt for the review after the umpire had given Will Young not out. Replays confirmed that New Zealand's debutant opener had got an edge and he walked back to the pavilion after scoring 89.

Bharat’s second moment of brilliance behind the wicket came in the 103rd over of New Zealand’s innings as he pulled off a magnificent stumping to get rid of the well-set Tom Latham.

The wicketkeeper collected the turning delivery from Akshar Patel brilliantly and dislodged the bails in a flash to end Latham’s innings on 95.

KS Bharat is yet to make his Test debut for the national team, but he has now got two dismissals to his name in international cricket.

India's designated keeper for this Test match, Wriddhiman Saha, is nursing a neck stiffness, which has kept him away from the field thus far on Day 3 of the ongoing Kanpur Test.