For the first time in their Test history, which goes back to 1933, India have been whitewashed in a series of three or more games. The Tom Latham-led side became the first-ever team to whitewash India 3-0 in a Test series on Indian soil. Coming into the third and final Test with a 2-0 lead, New Zealand rode on Ajaz Patel’s match-haul of 11-160 to beat India by 25 runs.

The Black Caps, who landed in India after being thrashed 0-2 by Sri Lanka, stunned the hosts, producing exceptional all-round performances across the three Tests to claim an unprecedented series win.

India were all out for just 46 runs in the first innings of the first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru. This was India’s lowest score in any Test match innings at home against any international side.

Five Indian batsmen were out for ducks. India played only 31.2 overs before getting out for 46 runs. Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant was the top scorer with 20 runs.

This achievement marks the first time that India, traditionally a dominant force in Test cricket, have faced a whitewash by the Kiwis on Indian soil. The series not only showcased New Zealand’s strategic brilliance and skilled execution but also exposed India’s vulnerabilities. The statistics and individual performances of both teams reveal a significant shift in the competitive landscape of Test cricket.

New Zealand’s tour to India came with both teams eager to establish supremacy in the Test arena. India, with a formidable home record, were expected to have a decisive edge. Historically, India have been almost invincible on their turf, exploiting spinning tracks to their advantage. However, New Zealand arrived prepared, with a squad that had gained considerable experience and confidence from their recent international outings, including victories over top teams.

The first Test set the tone for the series, with New Zealand quickly asserting dominance. As the matches progressed, it became evident that New Zealand’s meticulous planning and well-rounded team approach were challenging India in ways rarely seen.

One of the defining features of this series was New Zealand’s bowling attack, which utilised spin and pace in a balanced way to neutralise the Indian batting lineup. New Zealand’s bowlers showed consistency and controlled the game across different sessions.

The spin duo of Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner exploited the Indian pitches exceptionally well, accounting for over half of the Indian wickets across the series. Ajaz Patel, a left-arm orthodox spinner, led the bowling charts, taking 15 wickets with an astonishing average of less than 20. His ability to turn the ball and find variations that troubled Indian batsmen was instrumental to New Zealand’s success.

New Zealand’s pacers, led by Tim Southee and Neil Wagner, also contributed significantly, especially in breaking crucial partnerships. The pace bowlers maintained tight lines, swinging the ball prodigiously even on Indian pitches that usually favour spin. This versatility in the bowling department was a testament to New Zealand’s comprehensive preparation and adaptability.

India’s batting lineup, which usually thrives at home, struggled immensely throughout the series. Lack of substantial contributions from key players showed the difficulties they faced against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling unit.

The Indian middle order, traditionally the backbone in challenging situations, faltered repeatedly. The team’s overall batting average for the series was a mere 24.3 runs per wicket, far below their usual home standards. In contrast, New Zealand’s batting lineup managed an average of over 35, indicating their superiority in adapting to the conditions and applying themselves better.

The captaincy and strategy played a significant role in New Zealand’s triumph. Under the leadership of Latham, New Zealand approached each match with a clear plan, focusing on exploiting India’s known weaknesses and rotating bowlers to maintain pressure. Latham’s decision to introduce spinners early and his field placements that denied Indian batsmen easy singles and boundary-scoring opportunities highlighted his tactical acumen.

India’s decision to stick with an overly spin-heavy attack backfired as New Zealand’s batsmen countered the spinners with grit and skill.

New Zealand’s whitewash of India on their home ground has shaken the Test cricket world. It demonstrated the remarkable strides New Zealand have made in recent years and set a high benchmark for teams visiting the Indian subcontinent.

For India, this series loss serves as a reminder that adaptation, preparation, and resilience are key to maintaining their dominance at home. The series will be remembered as a landmark event in cricket history, heralding New Zealand’s rise as a formidable force in Test cricket and a wake-up call for India to rethink their strategies.

Former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes that if India do not do well in their upcoming five-Test series in Australia, skipper Rohit Sharma may also retire from the longest format, so India need to start preparing for his replacement.

After winning India’s second T20 World Cup trophy in June, Rohit announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals. The 37-year-old has been in poor form and acknowledged his lack of leadership during the recent 0-3 home Test thumping by New Zealand.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir is also under fire after the Test series whitewash. Gambhir and performances of seniors in the side are under scrutiny. Fans and critics have raised questions over Gambhir and Rohit’s decision-making in the series. The loss has sparked a debate about Gambhir’s future as the head coach. It remains to be seen how he will respond.

India need to win four of their five Tests in order to go to the World Test Championship final.

Indian wicket-keeper batsman Pant was the highest run-getter of the Test series with 261 runs, including three fifties, at an average of 43.50. For New Zealand Rachin Ravindra scored 256 runs, averaging 51.20.

Skipper Rohit and former captain Kohli failed to perform in the series, one of the main reasons for the shameful defeat.

Rohit managed only 91 runs in the series, averaging just 15.16 with one fifty while Kohli scored only 93 runs, at an average of 15.50, including one half-century.

India’s allrounders Washington Sundar and Ravi Jadeja took 16 wickets each at averages of 14.12 and 21.56, respectively. From the Kiwis, Patel captured 15 scalps, averaging 23.80. Veteran Ashwin failed to impress, taking only 9 wickets in three matches, at a high average of 41.22.

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