There will inevitably come a time when the dust settles, allowing both India and New Zealand to reflect on the unexpected turn of events in Pune, where India’s formidable home invincibility was dramatically shattered. The conclusion of India’s illustrious winning streak by a New Zealand team, which matched the number of victories in this series as it had in the previous 12 series dating back to 1955, came as a surprise to many. This was a New Zealand side that had recently undergone a leadership change following a 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka, had lost their most seasoned and accomplished batsman Kane Williamson to injury, and yet found themselves up against an Indian team leading the World Test Championship standings and pursuing a third consecutive final berth.
In the realm of cricket upsets, this victory by New Zealand would contend vigorously for the top ranking. Understandably, New Zealand captain Tom Latham was perplexed, struggling to encapsulate this remarkable outcome after his team inflicted India’s lowest home Test score in Bengaluru before repeating the feat in Pune.
Just a week prior, Latham had smirked while admitting he would have chosen to bat first in Bengaluru, a decision that ended up costing India the opening Test. Yet, in Pune, it was Latham’s pacers who bowled India out on a surface expected to spin from the onset. The result was a masterclass by young batsmen taking charge against India’s veteran spin duo, utilizing the second new ball to thwart a valiant comeback. For New Zealand, a team used to limited success away from home, this Test tailored a triumph worthy of placing among their finest away victories.
On a pitch in Pune that was anticipated to favor spin from the start, described as conditions aligned more with Indian advantages, the New Zealand team rose to the challenge. The combined experience of New Zealand’s spin attack in Tests paled in comparison to that of Ashwin or Jadeja. Yet, Mitchell Santner remarkably outperformed them across two innings, with New Zealand’s batsmen applying pressure with a varied display of dazzling shots.
This was an Indian side outplayed at their own game – a feat achieved by picking up on the cues provided by their opponents and executing strategies with precision. As such, while Bengaluru set a high benchmark for New Zealand’s away Test wins, their resolute performance in Pune arguably ranks even higher.
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While the climax did not deliver the cinematic excitement akin to India’s famous win at the Gabba, the New Zealanders’ achievement stands as noteworthy, not unlike the memorable shocks of past contests. New Zealand continues to forge a knack for outsmarting India at critical junctures, as seen in the 2019 World Cup semifinal and the 2021 World Test Championship final.
Conversely, the Indian team must now face difficult questions regarding their senior players. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were largely ineffectual, contributing only half-centuries in Bengaluru, while Ashwin experienced a rare lapse in form during a home series, coinciding with Washington Sundar’s promising entrance. Transitionary times have revealed vulnerabilities within the Indian side over the last two years, marked by four home Test losses. The introduction of result-oriented pitches during the WTC era has played a part in bridging the gap with other teams, incrementally chipping away at India’s previously unassailable aura.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma responded at the conclusion of the Pune Test by urging caution and defending his team amidst trying circumstances. He cited India’s remarkable record in Test matches as evidence of their resilience and asserted that occasional series losses should be seen in context, emphasizing the importance of not fostering an environment of doubt or unnecessary pressure among players.
“We have achieved so many good things,” he remarked. “Why focus excessively on the bad? It’s essential to review without overreacting, to prevent the team members from feeling that something drastic is occurring. Though we’ve hit a rough patch, the overall good far outweighs the bad,” said Rohit. While acknowledging India’s high expectations and the pressure that accompanies them, Rohit remained optimistic, stressing the need to find solutions without unnecessary alarm.
Twice in as many Tests, Rohit has sought to present a calm demeanor amidst the storm, emphasizing stability ahead of India’s upcoming tour of Australia. With the expectation of winning four out of five Tests to secure a WTC final spot, India’s task remains formidable, especially with the recent setbacks in Pune serving as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.