In a stunning result, India suffered a historic defeat on Sunday, losing the third and final Test to New Zealand by 25 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. This defeat marked the first time in over 24 years that India has been whitewashed at home in a Test series. New Zealand’s 3-0 triumph is the first such clean sweep inflicted in their own backyard. The Kiwis won the first Test in Bengaluru by 8 wickets and the second Test in Pune by a commanding 113 runs.
A Shocking Collapse in India’s Chase
Chasing a modest target of 147 runs, India crumbled under pressure once again. The team found themselves in deep trouble at 29/5 in a matter of 8 overs, before a brief fightback by Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja offered hope. The pair put together a 42-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but batting woes returned as they were bowled out for 121 in just 29.1 overs, handing New Zealand a famous victory.
Earlier in the day, Ravindra Jadeja’s second five-wicket haul of the match dismissed for New Zealand 174, giving them a real chance to chase down the target. However, the run chase began in disastrous fashion. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who has been under intense scrutiny for his recent performances, was dismissed for just 11 by Matt Henry while attempting an ill-timed big shot.
Following Rohit’s dismissal, Shubman Gill, who had top-scored with 90 in the first innings, could not repeat his success, as he was bowled for 1 by left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. India’s batting mainstay, Virat Kohli, who has been struggling for form, continued his poor run as he was caught by Daryl Mitchell at first slip off Patel, also for just 1. The situation quickly went from bad to worse when Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) and Sarfaraz Khan (1) fell in quick succession, leaving India in complete disarray at 29/5.
Rishabh Pant’s Fightback
Amidst the collapse, Rishabh Pant stood firm and counter-attacked, scoring a fighting 64 off 57 balls. He, along with Washington Sundar, steadied the innings for a while, taking India to 92/6 by lunch. Pant’s 48-ball half-century gave India a glimmer of hope, but the resistance was short-lived. In the second over after lunch, Pant was dismissed in an unlucky fashion, caught bat/pad by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell off Ajaz Patel. His departure marked the beginning of the end for India as they were bowled out for 121, falling 25 runs short of the target.
New Zealand’s Historic Feat
Ajaz Patel was the star of the show for New Zealand, finishing with outstanding figures of 6/57, his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests. The Kiwis needed just three bowlers to seal the win. Matt Henry picked up 1/10, while Glenn Phillips took 3/42 in a superb display of disciplined bowling. New Zealand not only claimed their first Test series win in India since 2012, but they also became the first team to whitewash India 3-0 at home. This triumph snapped India’s 18-series winning streak at home, dating back to a 2-1 loss to England in 2012.
India First Home Whitewash in Over Two Decades
This humiliating defeat marks the first time since 2000 that India has been beaten so comprehensively in a home Test series. The last time India faced such a result was when South Africa, under Hansie Cronje, whitewashed them 2-0. With this loss, Rohit Sharma and his team will now face growing pressure ahead of their upcoming five-match Test series against Australia.
India’s Batting Woes
The writing was on the wall for India after losing half their side for just 29 runs. The collapse exposed India’s recurring problems with their middle order. The failure of key players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, has raised serious questions about the team’s ability to handle pressure in crucial matches. Kohli, in particular, has been underperforming, with his form becoming a major concern for India ahead of future series.
What Lies Ahead for India?
India’s back-to-back poor performances have intensified scrutiny on their batting lineup and captaincy. Rohit Sharma’s leadership is now under the scanner as his team looks ahead to a grueling five-match Test series against Australia, one of the toughest sides in world cricket. With Australia boasting a potent bowling attack and their own formidable batting lineup, India will need to address their deficiencies quickly if they are to avoid another humiliating series loss.
For New Zealand, this victory is a landmark achievement. Not only did they win their maiden Test series in India since 1955, but they also managed to outplay India in all three matches. The Kiwis, led by Tim Southee, showed exceptional grit and determination throughout the series, particularly in the final Test where they defended a modest target to claim a well-deserved victory.
In the end, India’s historic home whitewash serves as a wake-up call. As they prepare for their next challenge against Australia, changes might be on the horizon, with the team management likely to reassess the squad and strategies.