NEW DELHI: India’s home dominance came to an abrupt end as New Zealand decisively defeated Rohit Sharma‘s team, clinching the series 3-0 and becoming the first team to achieve a whitewash over India on their own soil. This loss is particularly striking given New Zealand’s recent struggles, including a 2-0 defeat against Sri Lanka prior to this series, and their lack of a robust record in Asia.
From the outset of the series, India found themselves on the back foot. Expected to emerge victorious, they faltered against New Zealand’s spin attack, ultimately surrendering the series. The Kiwi spinners, Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, combined for an impressive total of 28 wickets over the three matches.
Several factors contributed to India’s unexpected defeat. TimesofIndia.com examines the factors that led to India’s struggles in the home series against New Zealand.
VIRAT AND ROHIT’S STRUGGLES
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have had a challenging year in 2024, with both failing to make a significant impact in Test cricket. Kohli managed only 93 runs in three matches against New Zealand, averaging a mere 15.50—far below his usual standards. Over six matches this year, he has scored only 250 runs at an average of 22.72. Once a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup, Kohli’s prolonged slump raises concerns about his ability to anchor the innings as he once did.
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Rohit’s performance was equally disappointing. He tallied just 91 runs, averaging 15.17 in the series, unable to provide the solid starts that India typically relies on. His record for 2024 stands at 588 runs from 11 matches, with a modest average of 29.40, marking a noticeable decline from his past performances.
The struggles of both Kohli and Rohit have intensified the pressure on India’s batting order, with hopes pinned on the senior players rediscovering their form ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
DISAPPOINTING OPENERS
In the opening Test in Bengaluru, which New Zealand won by 8 wickets, the opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma amounted to just 9 runs in the first innings. In the second innings, they managed a solitary big stand of 72 runs, which was India’s only notable opening partnership throughout the series.
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During the second Test in Pune, Rohit and Yashasvi failed again, contributing only 1 run for the opening wicket and just 34 runs in the second innings, leading to a 113-run loss for India.
In the third Test in Mumbai, they added only 25 runs for the first wicket and just 13 in the second innings while chasing 147. India was bowled out for 121, losing the match by 25 runs and the series 3-0.
Rohit’s overall tally for the series was 91 runs, averaging 15.17.
MISREADING CONDITIONS
In the Bengaluru Test, with Day 1 washed out due to rain, Rohit opted to bat first after winning the toss. This decision backfired spectacularly, as India was bowled out for a mere 46 runs, with five batters failing to score.
Rohit later admitted that he misjudged both the pitch and the weather conditions.
TROUBLE AGAINST SPIN
Historically, India have thrived on spin-friendly pitches at home, but they struggled against New Zealand’s spin attack throughout the series. After bowling New Zealand out for 259 in Pune, India’s batsmen faltered, managing only 156 runs and ceding a 103-run lead in the second Test.
When New Zealand set a target of 359, India again stumbled against spin, with Mitchell Santner claiming six wickets and sealing a 113-run win for the Kiwis.
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The dismissals of key players like Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja reignited concerns about India’s vulnerability against spin.
In the final Test in Mumbai, needing 147 runs for a consolation victory, the Indian batsmen crumbled, bowled out for 121 and suffering a 25-run defeat. Ajaz Patel’s remarkable performance earned him 11 wickets in the match, epitomizing New Zealand’s dominance throughout the series.