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In a remarkable turn of events, Team India faced their first-ever home series whitewash, losing all three Tests to New Zealand, culminating in a 25-run defeat in the third match on Sunday (November 3). This series marked a significant milestone for New Zealand, who ended India’s impressive 12-year unbeaten streak in home Tests. Notably, it was also New Zealand’s first series victory in India since they began touring in the 1955-56 season. The Black Caps made history by becoming the first team to secure a 3-0 series win on Indian soil, further solidifying their status in international cricket.
Batting collapse costs India the match against New Zealand
Chasing a modest target of 147 runs in the third Test, India’s middle-order batting lineup crumbled under pressure, leading to their downfall. After a promising start, the hosts lost critical wickets in quick succession, failing to build any significant partnerships. This collapse allowed New Zealand’s bowlers to seize control of the match, ultimately leading to a disappointing 25-run loss. The defeat not only damaged India’s confidence but also severely impacted their standing in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, as they head into the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy with their spirits dampened.
Rohit Sharma’s form under scrutiny
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is facing mounting pressure following this series defeat, as his batting form has come under intense scrutiny. Across ten Test innings during this home season, Sharma managed to average a mere 13.30, scoring only 133 runs, with just one half-century to his name. Such dismal statistics have raised questions about his leadership and performance in crucial matches. As India looks to rebound from this historic setback, Sharma’s ability to regain form will be pivotal for the team’s prospects in future series, particularly with the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaching.
Also READ: IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma breaks silence on Rishabh Pant’s controversial dismissal in the Mumbai Test
Indian skipper with the lowest average in home Test series (minimum: 5 innings)
1. Virat Kohli
- Series Against: Australia (2017)
- Matches Played: 3 (out of 4)
- Total Runs Scored: 46
- Batting Average: 9.20
- Notable Performance: Kohli’s struggles in this series were notable, as he could not contribute significantly, raising concerns about his form and putting pressure on his captaincy, although India eventually won the series 2-1.
2. Sourav Ganguly
- Series Against: Pakistan (2005)
- Matches Played: 3
- Total Runs Scored: 48
- Batting Average: 9.60
- Notable Performance: Ganguly’s captaincy faced scrutiny as he struggled to perform against a strong Pakistan side, with his batting contributions being minimal during the series.
3. Gulabrai Ramchandra
- Series Against: Australia (1959)
- Matches Played: 5
- Total Runs Scored: 68
- Batting Average: 11.33
- Notable Performance: Ramchand captained a struggling Indian side and had a disappointing series, which marked a significant downturn in his international career.
4. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
- Series Against: West Indies (1974)
- Matches Played: 5
- Total Runs Scored: 85
- Batting Average: 14.16
- Notable Performance: Pataudi faced a strong West Indies team during this series and captained the side in four games except the second match where the skipper was Srinivas Venkataraghavan, and despite his captaincy skills, his batting was below par, reflecting the overall struggles of the Indian team during this period.
5. Rohit Sharma
- Series Against: New Zealand (2024)
- Matches Played: 3
- Total Runs Scored: 91
- Batting Average: 15.16
- Notable Performance: Rohit’s performance was disappointing throughout the series, with no half-centuries and only 91 runs across six innings, marking a significant low in his captaincy tenure.
