In a stunning turn of events that has left the cricket world astounded, India’s impeccable home Test match invincibility has been decisively dismantled by a rejuvenated New Zealand team. This breakthrough victory for the Black Caps in Pune marks the end of a remarkable home streak for India, a team that has dominated the World Test Championship (WTC) table and consistently vied for a spot in the finals.
The series that unfolded witnessed New Zealand rewriting history, by defeating India, a team that has proved steadfast on their home turf. This New Zealand squad, having undergone a leadership transition post a 0-2 defeat to Sri Lanka and grappling with the absence of their talismanic batter Kane Williamson due to injury, emerged as deserving victors over an Indian side previously known for its resilience and supremacy in home conditions.
For those who revel in cataloging cricket upsets, this particular series will undoubtedly be a strong contender for the top spot. Tom Latham, the New Zealand captain, found himself grappling for words to encapsulate the magnitude of their achievement. Just a week ago, Latham had expressed a wry satisfaction, acknowledging that he too would have chosen to bat first in Bengaluru—a decision that had led to India’s loss in the opening Test. In that match, Latham watched as his seamers bundled India out for their lowest ever home Test score, a feat orchestrated by a combination of disciplined pace and a vital knock from a promising young batter. That victory alone could easily be ranked among New Zealand’s finest overseas Test triumphs.
And then came the encounter in Pune. Unlike Bengaluru, where conditions bore more resemblance to those back home for New Zealand, Pune presented a pitch that spun prodigiously from the first ball. The pre-match verdict had been clear: this track was going to challenge all with its turn. Despite this, New Zealand’s spin attack—less experienced than India’s frontline spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja—emerged on top. Mitchell Santner, through his tactical variations and controlled bowling, managed to outclass the highly-regarded Indian spinners over both innings. Their batsmen responded with an intelligent approach, employing a repertoire of shots including sweeps, that put the Indian bowlers under persistent pressure.
New Zealand’s tactical acumen was evident in their meticulous execution, borrowing strategies that had been quintessential to India’s success on similar surfaces, and implementing them with a sharp edge. Latham’s fortune with the toss again played a role, but it was the Kiwi side’s ability to emulate and then surpass India’s playbook that led to their historic series win.
. If Bengaluru was renowned, then Pune should be regarded as a pinnacle achievement for New Zealand in overseas conditions.
While the series may not have witnessed the dramatic denouements akin to India’s previous exploits at the Gabba, the historic nature of New Zealand’s achievement cannot be understated. This was a team in transition, poised on the brink of birthing a future generation of Kiwi cricketing legends, seizing key moments against strong opposition—a characteristic not uncommon given their track record in the 2019 World Cup semifinal and the 2021 WTC final.
For India, a period of introspection beckons. This harrowing series has raised probing inquiries regarding the forms and contributions of their stalwarts. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned unimpressive numbers, save for solitary fifties in Bengaluru. Ashwin, instrumental on many previous occasions, found himself overshadowed by a younger Washington Sundar—a reflection of India’s own developmental phase, having lost four home Tests in recent times. The pursuit of result-oriented pitches, as demanded by the WTC finals framework, has inadvertently narrowed the chasm between India and their top competitors, gradually dismantling their once impregnable aura.
In the post-series media address, Rohit Sharma adopted a measured stance, opting to defend his team’s efforts amid this low ebb. He emphasized a broader perspective, highlighting the team’s remarkable 80% win record across 54 Test matches, urging the public and pundits alike to avoid fixating on the negatives.
“You may lose a series occasionally, but it doesn’t negate all that’s been achieved over the past decade. Finding solutions is what remains paramount,” Rohit affirmed. He spoke of expectations that have soared on account of India’s brilliance in past outings, expectations that now scrutinize every minor stumble on home soil.
As the Indian team sets its sights on the looming Australian tour, the challenge ahead is formidable. Compelled to win at least four out of five Tests to secure a WTC finals berth unassisted, the lessons from Pune will surely weigh heavily on their preparation and resolve. The path to redemption and reclaiming their dominance begins anew as India embarks on this crucial campaign, confronting the harsh truths unveiled in the Pune debacle.