New Zealand defeated India by 115 runs in Pune to seal the three-match Test series. After a humiliating defeat in Bengaluru, a spin-friendly track was prepared for the second Test to assist the home team but in the end, it proved to be hell for them. The batters weren’t prepared to face the wrath of the Kiwi spinners, particularly Mitchell Santner, who picked up 13 wickets in the game and was eventually adjudged Player of the Match.
After bundling New Zealand to 255 runs in the second innings, the Rohit Sharma-led side had some hope of getting the job done but the skipper once again failed to lead by example. He departed for just eight runs. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal, on the other hand, played some aggressive cricket and was the only one who looked in good touch but the 22-year-old failed to get the job done.
He departed for 77 runs off 65 balls and since then, India struggled big time with the bat. Batting at three, Shubman Gill too disappointed while Virat Kohli’s form is a massive reason to worry. He departed after scoring 17 runs. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant was a victim of a run-out and that was a massive blow to India as the keeper-batter emerged as India’s biggest match-winner in Test cricket in the recent past.
Later, Sarfaraz Khan failed to get going and the onus fell on the Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin duo. Jadeja particularly looked good and he made 42 runs but kept losing partners on the other end.
For New Zealand, it was once again Santner who stole the show. The 32-year-old picked u six wickets in the second innings while Ajaz Patel picked up two and Glenn Phillips clinched one. With that, the BlackCaps registered their first Test series win in India in history. The visitors were elated following the win but on the other hand, questions need to be asked in the Indian camp.
Also Read – Anil Kumble explains how Mitchell Santner plotted Rohit Sharma’s dismissal
The Indians always were known to be good players of spin but in the series against New Zealand, they didn’t look ready at all. The senior batters need to take responsibility, which was missing in the game against Pune. Rohit’s captaincy in Tests also needs to be addressed, especially with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming up.
Here’s how the fans reacted to India’s series loss at home vs New Zealand:
New Zealand Spinners to take two five-wicket hauls in a single Test:
Daniel Vettori – 5/62 and 7/87 against Australia in Auckland, 2000
Daniel Vettori – 6/70 and 6/100 against Bangladesh in Chattogram, 2004
Mitchell Santner – 7/53 and 5/72* against India in Pune,2024.#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/bSk0y25mre
— 卂ㄥ丨乇几 乂 𝟜/𝟟 (@alone__thinker) October 26, 2024
Remember!? That Devon Conway’s 76 off 141, Rachin Ravindra’s 65 off 105 and Mitchell Santner’s 33 off 51 in New Zealand’s first innings of the Test is how Flem Sir managed to keep these guys for CSK before the auction!#CSK #IPL2025 #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) October 26, 2024
The Greatest Heist of 21st century
And
Mitchell santner is THE PROFESSOR!!#INDvNZ #MitchellSantner pic.twitter.com/V49XrXyQm5
— Max Cady From Cape Fear (@patrikbateman62) October 26, 2024
– 7/59 & 18*(21).
– 4/56 & 21(47).
What a performance by Washington Sundar on his Comeback – SUNDAR FOUGHT FOR INDIA, ALONE WARRIOR. 🫡#ViratKohli #PAKvENG #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/IHKdSvcaen
— Cricket Knowledge (@SirraManmo26299) October 26, 2024
New Zealand achieved a historic victory, proving themselves to be a deserving team throughout this test series. They outplayed India in every department.
India’s first home series loss in 12 years. There is much to improve upon, particularly from the experienced batters #INDvNZ
— N A M A N (@_Naman_21) October 26, 2024
New Zealand create history as they become the 1st team to beat India in a Test series at home since 2012. Well played @BLACKCAPS Poor performance by @BCCI batsmen in both the Tests & some terrible calls by skipper @ImRo45 has resulted in an embarrassing series defeat. #INDvNZ
— Nikhil Ram (@Nikhil_Rams) October 26, 2024
🚨 HISTORY CREATED IN PUNE…!!! 🚨
– New Zealand becomes the first team to win a Test series in India after 12 long years. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/QKQworW7nz
— cricket news 📰🧢 (@ff_oppp) October 26, 2024
Most consecutive Test series wins at home
18 – India (2013 – 2024)
10 – Australia (1994-2000)
10 – Australia (2004-2008)
8 – West Indies (1976-1986)
8 – New Zealand (2017-2020)
Team India winning streak has been broken by New Zealand. #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ #INDvsNZTEST
— Vishwesh Gaur (@iumvishwesh) October 26, 2024
🚨 THE STREAK HAS BEEN BROKEN 🚨
NEW ZEALAND BECOMES THE FIRST TEAM AFTER 4331 DAYS TO WIN A TEST SERIES IN INDIA. 🏆#RAVINDRAJADEJA #INDvNZ #IPL2025 #ViratKohli #Pune #RishabhPant #RohitSharma #INDvsNZ #Bumrah #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/dO5fUvtQrv
— Monish (@Monish09cric) October 26, 2024
#INDvsNZ
69 year after New Zealand beat India in home series
What a victory ✌🏻🙌🏻
Team India come back strong next match#INDvsNZTEST pic.twitter.com/13La4S6UYB
— Ravi (@Ravi_Rv_) October 26, 2024
If we want to improve in playing spin, put a bit less emphasis on side-arm practice!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 26, 2024