Out of all the challenges the Indian cricket team management could have anticipated, a home Test series defeat by an out-of-form New Zealand was likely the least expected.
Likely distracted by planning for the upcoming Australia Test tour, Rohit Sharma’s team received a harsh reality check with their first home Test series loss in 12 years, and now they face a potential series whitewash.
Coming into this series, New Zealand had just suffered a 2-0 Test series defeat in Sri Lanka, including a heavy innings loss. On the other hand, top-ranked India appeared close to securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
But in just two Tests, New Zealand has achieved a rare feat in modern Test cricket a decisive series win in India. Meanwhile, India is left questioning their place at the top of the table and wondering if their dominance may be slipping.
The Black Caps first dismantled India’s batting lineup on an unexpectedly lively pitch in Bengaluru, then outplayed them with both bat and ball on a turning track in Pune. New Zealand not only won both games but dominated India in every aspect of the match across all four innings.
Captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir have had to quickly shelve their plans for the five-Test tour of Australia, focusing instead on avoiding further embarrassment at home.
India’s seasoned batsmen and bowlers have suddenly looked out of touch, even in conditions made for their strengths. Rohit and Virat Kohli have struggled against both pace and spin, while young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Sarfaraz Khan have appeared far more comfortable at the crease.
Fast bowler Mohammad Siraj has failed to deliver his best form, and Jasprit Bumrah is also yet to show his usual impact with the new or old ball. Most concerning is the decline in performance from off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who have not shown their usual effectiveness.
The situation has become so concerning that India called up off-spinner Washington Sundar for the second Test, playing him alongside Ashwin. Sundar contributed with 11 wickets and 39 runs in the low-scoring match in Pune.
Desperation is also evident ahead of the third Test, starting in Mumbai on Friday. India has brought in all-rounder Harshit Rana, who was actively playing in the domestic circuit. Like Sundar, Rana may be placed directly in the playing XI.
If Rana makes the cut, it would signify that India’s team management is now resorting to last-minute solutions. Neither Sundar nor Rana was initially in the plans for this series against New Zealand, but the underperformance of senior players has forced India to try something new.
India now faces a dilemma regarding the pitch for the third Test, as an underprepared pitch could make the toss a crucial factor. However, India’s bigger concern is the form of Rohit and Kohli, especially with the upcoming series in Australia where conditions are expected to favor fast bowlers in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane.
If India loses the third Test in Mumbai and struggles in Australia, they may fall out of the WTC final race altogether.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has reason to be proud of this historic series win, especially since it was accomplished without their star batsman Kane Williamson. Williamson missed the first two Tests due to a groin injury, but the remaining lineup, led by Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, managed India’s bowling attack effectively.
Williamson will also miss the third Test, as he continues his recovery at home, with hopes of returning for New Zealand’s next series against England.
