India lost the three-match Test series to New Zealand by 115 runs in Pune. In order to help the home team after a crushing loss in Bengaluru, a spin-friendly surface was created for the second Test, but ultimately, it was hell for them. Mitchell Santner, who took 13 wickets during the match and was named Player of the Match, was one of the Kiwi spinners that the batters were unprepared to face.
The Rohit Sharma-led team had a chance to win after thrashing New Zealand to 255 runs in the second innings, but the captain once again failed to set an inspired example. He only left for eight runs. In contrast, young Yashasvi Jaiswal played some aggressive cricket and was the only player who appeared to be in good form, but the 22-year-old was unable to complete the task.
India had severe batting difficulties after he left for 77 runs off 65 balls. While Virat Kohli’s form is a major cause for concern, Shubman Gill also let us down when he batted at three. After scoring seventeen runs, he left. India suffered a severe setback when Rishabh Pant was run out, since the keeper-batter had recently been the country’s biggest match-winner in Test cricket.
Later, when Sarfaraz Khan was unable to get going, the responsibility was placed on Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. Despite making 42 runs and looking particularly good, Jadeja kept losing partners.
Santner was once again the star of the show for New Zealand. In the second innings, Ajaz Patel took two wickets, Glenn Phillips took one, and the 32-year-old took six. The BlackCaps achieved their first-ever Test series victory in India with that. Although the visitors were overjoyed after the victory, the Indian camp had to ask some tough questions.
Although the Indians have traditionally been regarded as skilled spinners, they didn’t appear prepared at all during the series against New Zealand. The older hitters must assume responsibility, something that was lacking in the match versus Pune.
Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal becomes first Indian batter to hit 30-plus sixes in Tests in calendar year
Additionally, Rohit’s Test leadership needs to be addressed, particularly in light of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Here’s how the fans reacted to India’s series loss at home vs New Zealand:
If we want to improve in playing spin, put a bit less emphasis on side-arm practice!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 26, 2024
#INDvsNZ
69 year after New Zealand beat India in home series
What a victoryTeam India come back strong next match#INDvsNZTEST pic.twitter.com/13La4S6UYB
— Ravi (@Ravi_Rv_) October 26, 2024
THE STREAK HAS BEEN BROKEN
NEW ZEALAND BECOMES THE FIRST TEAM AFTER 4331 DAYS TO WIN A TEST SERIES IN INDIA.
#RAVINDRAJADEJA #INDvNZ #IPL2025 #ViratKohli #Pune #RishabhPant #RohitSharma #INDvsNZ #Bumrah #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/dO5fUvtQrv
— Monish (@Monish09cric) October 26, 2024
Most consecutive Test series wins at home
18 – India (2013 – 2024)
10 – Australia (1994-2000)
10 – Australia (2004-2008)
8 – West Indies (1976-1986)
8 – New Zealand (2017-2020)Team India winning streak has been broken by New Zealand. #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ #INDvsNZTEST
— Vishwesh Gaur (@iumvishwesh) October 26, 2024
– New Zealand becomes the first team to win a Test series in India after 12 long years.
pic.twitter.com/QKQworW7nz
— cricket news
(@ff_oppp) October 26, 2024
New Zealand create history as they become the 1st team to beat India in a Test series at home since 2012. Well played @BLACKCAPS Poor performance by @BCCI batsmen in both the Tests & some terrible calls by skipper @ImRo45 has resulted in an embarrassing series defeat. #INDvNZ
— Nikhil Ram (@Nikhil_Rams) October 26, 2024
New Zealand achieved a historic victory, proving themselves to be a deserving team throughout this test series. They outplayed India in every department.
India’s first home series loss in 12 years. There is much to improve upon, particularly from the experienced batters #INDvNZ
— N A M A N (@_Naman_21) October 26, 2024
– 7/59 & 18*(21).
– 4/56 & 21(47).What a performance by Washington Sundar on his Comeback – SUNDAR FOUGHT FOR INDIA, ALONE WARRIOR.
#ViratKohli #PAKvENG #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/IHKdSvcaen
— Cricket Knowledge (@SirraManmo26299) October 26, 2024
The Greatest Heist of 21st century
And
Mitchell santner is THE PROFESSOR!!#INDvNZ #MitchellSantner pic.twitter.com/V49XrXyQm5— Max Cady From Cape Fear (@patrikbateman62) October 26, 2024
Remember!? That Devon Conway’s 76 off 141, Rachin Ravindra’s 65 off 105 and Mitchell Santner’s 33 off 51 in New Zealand’s first innings of the Test is how Flem Sir managed to keep these guys for CSK before the auction!#CSK #IPL2025 #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) October 26, 2024
New Zealand Spinners to take two five-wicket hauls in a single Test:
Daniel Vettori – 5/62 and 7/87 against Australia in Auckland, 2000
Daniel Vettori – 6/70 and 6/100 against Bangladesh in Chattogram, 2004
Mitchell Santner – 7/53 and 5/72* against India in Pune,2024.#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/bSk0y25mre
— 卂ㄥ丨乇几 乂 𝟜/𝟟 (@alone__thinker) October 26, 2024
India
