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For the first time in their Test history, which dates back to 1933, India have been whitewashed in a series of three or more matches. The Tom Latham-led team became the first team to whitewash India 3-0 in a Test series on Indian soil. With a 2-0 lead in the third and final Test, New Zealand defeated India by 25 runs thanks to Ijaz Patel’s 11-160.
The Black Caps, who landed in India after a 0-2 defeat by Sri Lanka, stunned the hosts by producing exceptional all-round performances in the three Tests to claim an unprecedented series win.
In the first innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, India were all out for just 46 runs. It was India’s lowest innings in any Test match at home against any international team.
Five Indian batsmen were out for zero. India played just 31.2 overs before being bowled out for 46 runs. Wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant was the top scorer with 20 runs.
The win marks the first time that India, traditionally a dominant force in Test cricket, has suffered a whitewash at the hands of the Kiwis on Indian soil. The series not only showcased New Zealand’s strategic prowess and skillful execution, but also exposed India’s weaknesses. The statistics and individual performances of both the teams show a significant change in the competitive landscape of Test cricket.
India toured New Zealand with both teams eager to establish dominance in the Test arena. With a strong home record, India were expected to have a decisive lead. Historically, India have been almost invincible on their home turf, exploiting spinning tracks to their advantage. However, New Zealand came out with a squad that had gained plenty of experience and confidence from their recent internationals, including victories over top teams.
The first Test set the tone for the series, with New Zealand quickly dominating. As the matches progressed, it became clear that New Zealand’s careful planning and good team approach was giving India a challenge that is rarely seen.
One of the highlights of the series was New Zealand’s bowling attack, which used spin and pace in a balanced manner to neutralize the Indian batting line-up. The New Zealand bowlers showed consistency and controlled the game in various sessions.
The spin duo of Ijaz Patel and Mitchell Santner exploited the Indian pitches exceptionally well, taking more than half of the Indian wickets throughout the series. Left-arm orthodox spinner Ijaz Patel led the bowling charts, taking 15 wickets at an astonishing average of under 20. His ability to turn the ball and find variations that troubled the Indian batsmen contributed to New Zealand’s success.
New Zealand’s fast bowlers, led by Tim Southee and Neil Wagner, were also particularly instrumental in breaking crucial partnerships. The fast bowlers maintained tight lines, swinging the ball hard even on Indian pitches that usually favor spin. This versatility in the bowling department was a testament to New Zealand’s comprehensive preparation and adaptability.
India’s batting line-up, which usually thrives at home, struggled mightily throughout the series. The lack of substantial contributions from key players reflected the difficulties they faced against a disciplined New Zealand bowling unit.
The Indian middle order, traditionally the backbone in challenging situations, weakened time and again. The team’s overall batting average for the series was just 24.3 runs per wicket, far below their usual domestic standards. In contrast, New Zealand’s batting line-up managed an average of over 35, indicating their superiority in adapting to situations and applying themselves better.
Captaincy and strategy played an important role in New Zealand’s victory. Led by Latham, New Zealand approached each match with a clear plan, focusing on exploiting India’s known weaknesses and rotating the bowlers to maintain pressure. Latham’s decision to introduce spinners early and his field placement which denied the Indian batsmen opportunities to score easy singles and boundaries highlighted his strategy.
India’s decision to stick with an overly spin-heavy attack backfired as the New Zealand batsmen fought the spinners with gusto and skill.
New Zealand’s whitewash of India at their home ground has rocked the world of Test cricket. It demonstrated New Zealand’s remarkable progress in recent years and set a high standard for teams touring the Indian subcontinent.
For India, this series defeat serves as a reminder that adaptability, preparedness, and resilience are key to maintaining their dominance at home. The series will be remembered as a landmark event in cricket history, heralding New Zealand’s emergence as a formidable force in Test cricket and prompting India to rethink its tactics.
Former skipper Krishnamachari Srikanth believes that skipper Rohit Sharma may also retire from the longest format if India do not perform well in their upcoming five-Test series in Australia, hence India’s preparations for his replacement. Need to do.
After winning India’s second T20 World Cup trophy in June, Rohit announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals. The 37-year-old has been in poor form and admitted to a lack of leadership during the recent 0-3 loss to New Zealand in the home Test.
After the whitewash in the Test series, head coach Gautam Gambhir is also under fire. The performance of Gambhir and the seniors in the team is being tested. Fans and critics have questioned the decision-making of Gambhir and Rohit in the series. The loss has sparked debate about Gambhir’s future as head coach. It remains to be seen how they will respond.
India need to win four of their five Tests to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship.
Indian wicketkeeper batsman Pant was the highest run-scorer in the Test series with 261 runs including three fifties at an average of 43.50. For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra scored 256 runs at an average of 51.20.
Skipper Rohit and former skipper Kohli failed to perform in the series, a major reason for the humiliating defeat.
Rohit managed just 91 runs in the series, with one fifty at an average of just 15.16, while Kohli scored just 93 runs at an average of 15.50, including a half-century.
India’s all-rounders Washington Sundar and Ravi Jadeja took 16 wickets at averages of 14.12 and 21.56 respectively. For the Kiwis, Patel took 15 scalps at an average of 23.80. The experienced Ashwin failed to impress, taking just 9 wickets in three matches at a high average of 41.22.
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