As the dust begins to settle after a jaw-dropping series in Pune, cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike are left grappling with the seismic shift in the cricketing landscape: India’s longstanding invincibility on their home turf has been shattered by none other than New Zealand. The significance of this win is magnified when you acknowledge New Zealand’s historical struggle in India; the last time they emerged victorious on Indian soil was back in 1955. Given the circumstances leading to this unexpected series victory, not many foresaw such an outcome. A team that recently underwent a leadership change following a defeat to Sri Lanka, and was deprived of the experienced Kane Williamson due to injury, stepped up to face an Indian team perched on top of the World Test Championship standings and in pursuit of a third consecutive spot in the final.
For those who categorize cricket upsets, this series now ranks among the finest. New Zealand captain Tom Latham appeared nearly speechless when attempting to articulate the gravity of this triumph, a testament to the magnitude of what his team achieved. Merely days ago, Latham had jokingly conceded that he too would have chosen to bat first in Bengaluru—a choice that cost India the first Test. Instead, Latham witnessed his bowlers dismiss India for their lowest home Test score, followed by inspired performances from a young batter exploiting senior spinners, ultimately sealing the game with strategic use of the second new ball. This alone was a remarkable feat for New Zealand’s catalog of overseas Test wins.
But the story in Pune was even richer. Unlike in Bengaluru, where conditions slightly mirrored those back home for New Zealand, Pune was forecasted to provide unpredictable spin from the start. The combined experience of New Zealand’s spin attack was considerably less than India’s seasoned duo of Ashwin and Jadeja. Yet Mitchell Santner emerged as a standout performer, outplaying India’s star spinners across both innings. Employing a variety of shot-making tactics, including the sweep, New Zealand’s batters managed to unsettle Ashwin and Jadeja, even as Santner’s discipline and tactical bowling outshone them. With Latham winning the toss once again, this time, it was India who found themselves outplayed in conditions typically considered their stronghold. If Bengaluru ranks highly among New Zealand’s overseas victories, Pune undoubtedly surpasses it in prestige.
While Pune may lack the dramatic finale reminiscent of India’s momentous win at the Gabba, the achievement is no less remarkable. New Zealand, it seems, has developed a knack for outshining India during pivotal matches; their victories in the 2019 World Cup semifinal and the 2021 World Test Championship final are cases in point.
. The 2024 team, in transition itself, has also perhaps set the stage for the emergence of future stars within New Zealand cricket.
In the Indian camp, there’s a palpable sense of introspection directed towards their seasoned players. Neither Virat Kohli nor Rohit Sharma could muster performances apart from scoring half-centuries in Bengaluru. Ashwin experienced a rare dip in form during a home series, a development that cleared the way for Washington Sundar to make a statement. India, too, is undergoing its transformation phase, starkly illustrated by its recent losses in four home Tests over two years. The advent of result-oriented pitches in the WTC era is subtly bridging the competitive gap—which has historically favored India—signifying an erosion of their once-unassailable aura.
As the Pune Test concluded, Rohit chose a cautious approach when addressing the uncertainties surrounding his team’s performance. He resolutely argued for a tempered response, emphasizing that despite recent setbacks, the broader picture remains positive.
“Out of the 54 Test matches, we have won 42. That’s nearly 80% of the matches,” he pointed out. “Naturally, it is crucial to introspect on our shortcomings but without excessive reaction that could lead to internal doubt. We must be careful not to create an environment that breeds self-doubt or unnecessary pressure.”
Conceding that occasional series losses are part of the sport, he reflected with a note of optimism: “We had an excellent 12-year run by doing a lot right. We mustn’t feel compelled to reinvent our approach because of one series. Nonetheless, we need strategies to handle adverse situations effectively.”
Twice in two Tests, Rohit has taken upon himself the responsibility of projecting a sense of calm amidst swirling uncertainties. With the squad for the Australia tour announced, India faces a daunting task of securing at least four, if not all five wins, to ensure an unassisted entry into the WTC final. After the surprises in Pune, achieving such a feat would command some remarkable performances.