India’s Test dominance at home has been shattered by New Zealand, who have inflicted a humiliating 0-3 whitewash on the hosts. This is the first time India have been swept aside in a home Test series since 1998, when Australia achieved the feat.
The Kiwis’ triumph began with an eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru, followed by a 113-run triumph in Pune. In Mumbai, they completed the clean sweep with a 25-run win at the Wankhede Stadium.
Chasing a modest 147, India’s batting crumbled once again. Captain Rohit Sharma (11) fell early, followed by Shubman Gill (1) and Virat Kohli (1). Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) and Sarfaraz Khan (1) also departed cheaply, leaving India reeling at 29/5.
Rishabh Pant (64) and Ravindra Jadeja (28) provided some resistance with a 42-run stand, but Pant’s dismissal after lunch triggered a collapse. Ajaz Patel (6/57) was the wrecker-in-chief, while Matt Henry (1/10) and Glenn Philips (3/42) also contributed.
New Zealand’s victory marks the first time they have won a Test series in India since 2012. They are also the first team to whitewash India in a home Test series in over 24 years.
India’s batting woes have been a major concern throughout the series. The top order has failed to provide a solid foundation, while the middle order has been unable to capitalize on starts. The bowling attack, led by Jadeja, has been competitive but has lacked support from the batsmen.
New Zealand, on the other hand, have played with great discipline and determination. Their bowlers have been relentless, while their batsmen have shown resilience and adaptability.
The whitewash is a major setback for India, who have been the dominant force in Test cricket in recent years. It will be interesting to see how they respond in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
