The Indian cricket team’s dismal performance in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand has raised serious concerns among fans and experts alike. After losing the first two Tests in Pune, India is on the brink of a humiliating clean sweep, a fate they haven’t suffered at home in over a decade.
The team’s batting has been particularly disappointing, with the top order failing to provide a solid foundation. In the second Test, established batter Sarfaraz Khan was inexplicably sent in at No. 7, while all-rounder Washington Sundar was promoted ahead of him. This move drew criticism from former India star Sanjay Manjrekar, who called it “bizarre” and a sign of “T20 thinking.”
India’s bowling, once a strength, has also been ineffective against the New Zealanders. The spinners, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, have failed to make consistent breakthroughs, while the pacers have been unable to contain the opposition’s batsmen.
The loss in Pune has also dented India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final. With only one Test remaining in the series, India needs to win convincingly in Mumbai to keep their hopes alive.
Former India captain MS Dhoni, who was at the helm when India last lost a Test series at home in 2010, has expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance. “It’s not easy to lose a Test series at home,” Dhoni said. “The team needs to introspect and find out what went wrong.”
With the upcoming tour of Australia looming, India’s poor form is a major cause for concern. The Aussies are a formidable opponent on home soil, and India will need to make significant improvements if they want to avoid another embarrassing defeat.
