Winning in India equal to WTC final win: Tim Southee

New Zealand just defeated India in a Test series at home, something that had looked almost unthinkable for more than ten years. India’s impressive run of 18 straight home series victories from 2012 came to an end with the historic victory. Tim Southee, a senior speed bowler for the Kiwis, offered his thoughts on this historic accomplishment.

Australia, England, and South Africa were among the teams that had tried and failed to defeat India at home for the past twelve years. In addition to winning their first Test series in India, New Zealand’s triumphs in Bengaluru and Pune demonstrated that the formidable Indian team could be overcome in their own country.

Yes, I believe you should simply examine the past. What has someone been able to do for 12 years and 18 series, or whatever it is? It’s a very difficult place to be. India and Australia are, in my opinion, the two locations that are most likely to be the most challenging to tour, based on my perspective and the cricket I have played over the years. It’s a difficult place to tour because of the circumstances, the calibre of the opponent, and how strong they are at home,” Southee.

Southee, who just relinquished the captaincy after the team’s defeat in Sri Lanka, has a particular place in his heart for the win. He cited winning the World Test Championship as one of his career highlights when asked to rank this accomplishment.

When you reflect on the past, it’s difficult to surpass winning the World Test Championship. However, this (winning the series against India) is on par with, if not better than, that. It’s difficult to move beyond those two, in my opinion. “It has undoubtedly been a high point of my career thus far,” Southee continued.

Being the side that broke that run is nice: Tim Southee

The speedster also talked about his relationships with Indian cricket legends, including Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and MS Dhoni.

“I suppose “difficult” is among the first words that spring to mind. It’s difficult. The conditions are really alien to us, as we are from New Zealand. I believe that each time you come here, you’re up against a team of superstars. When you think about that 2010 squad, I believe you see players like Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambhir, Dravid, Laxman, and Dhoni. The Kiwi pacer went on to say, “It was a dream come true for me as a young man to be able to come over here and play against those guys.”

This victory is especially significant because of how it might affect other teams. The 35-year-old thinks that the opposing squad would now be more confident of defeating India on their home ground whenever they visit the country.

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However, I believe you should pay close attention to this one—12 years, 18 series. Being on the side that broke that run is good. “I suppose it demonstrates to other teams worldwide that defeating India in India is feasible,” Southee said.