Written By: Laksh Manan

IND vs NZ: India’s formidable home Test streak has come to a dramatic halt. After an undefeated run of over a decade on home soil, New Zealand stunned cricket fans by securing a historic series victory, dominating India in Bengaluru and Pune, and blitzing past them in Mumbai. This loss not only marks a rare defeat at home for India but also raises questions about their qualification for the World Test Championship finals.

Few would have believed that New Zealand—a team often viewed as under-equipped to tour India, typically relying on part-time spinners and batters vulnerable to spin—would defeat India. It had been since 1988 that New Zealand last won a Test in India, and they had never clinched a series here. But they have achieved the unthinkable, overturning the tables. So, let’s take a closer look at how New Zealand climbed cricket’s Mount Everest.

Bengaluru Blowout

In the opening Test at Bengaluru, overcast conditions neutralized India’s spin advantage, allowing New Zealand’s seamers to seize control. India’s batting line-up, typically dependable on home pitches, faltered and was dismissed for a mere 46 runs. Despite spirited efforts by Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan, the Kiwis held their ground and claimed an unexpected victory.

Pune Plunder

The second Test at Pune seemed to present a recovery opportunity for India, with conditions more favourable to spin. Yet, Mitchell Santner defied expectations, dismantling India’s lineup with accuracy and varied pace. In contrast, India’s renowned spinners, Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, struggled to adapt, unable to replicate Santner’s success. Washington Sundar bowled brilliantly and was the standout among Indian bowlers, but Santner spun a web that even Spider-Man himself would struggle to escape, leaving Indian batters outclassed.

Mumbai Magic

The third Test was particularly unforgiving for India. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, typically a fortress for Indian cricket, became the scene of yet another defeat. Ajaz Patel, unexpectedly emerging as the biggest threat with Santner injured, bowled superbly despite his previous struggles. Glenn Phillips, not even a full-time bowler, added pressure. Though India’s bowlers adjusted their speeds and variations, forcing New Zealand batters to attempt fewer sweeps, India’s batting lineup remained ensnared in the Kiwi spinners’ web.

Bowlers’ Stats Overall

Santner’s mastery was evident in his 13 wickets at an average of 12.07, conceding just 157 runs, while Ashwin managed only nine wickets at a costly average of 41.22, conceding 371 runs. Washington Sundar provided some hope with 16 wickets at an average of 14.12, giving up 266 runs, but it wasn’t enough to shift the series outcome.

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New Zealand’s strategy was not limited to spin. Seam bowler Will O’Rourke outshone India’s Jasprit Bumrah, claiming seven wickets at an impressive average of 18.42, while Bumrah’s three wickets at an average of 42.33 highlighted the Kiwis’ edge in preparation and adaptability. Matt Henry also claimed 10 wickets at an average of 15.03, in stark contrast to Siraj, who took just two wickets at an average of 58.

The Bengaluru Test offered favourable conditions for seamers, which Henry and O’Rourke exploited brilliantly, while Bumrah and Siraj struggled. In Pune, conditions seemed favorable to Indian bowlers, yet only Santner dominated, using his height and varying his pace to devastating effect. This was the deciding factor of the match.

In the Mumbai Test, rank turners once again posed a challenge for Indian batters, who appeared haunted and clueless.

As the series concluded, it was evident that New Zealand’s tactical brilliance, combined with an aggressive batting approach, had redefined what it takes to succeed in the subcontinent. India will now have to reflect on their readiness for the evolving dynamics of modern Test cricket, as New Zealand’s victory has set a new benchmark for foreign teams in India.

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