After India’s defeat to New Zealand in the first Test at Bengaluru, Rohit Sharma equaled MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly’s unwanted record of losing three home Tests as captain. This marked Rohit’s third defeat in 13 Tests as India’s Test captain. Apart from Sharma, Tendulkar and Bishan Singh Bedi share the same number of losses.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi tops the list with nine home defeats. India’s loss also marked the first time they have lost two home Tests in the same calendar year since 2012.
New Zealand’s Historic Victory in India
New Zealand’s eight-wicket victory over India was only their third win on Indian soil in 37 Tests. The Kiwis had last won in India in 1988 at Wankhede and their first came in 1969 at Nagpur. Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul, backed by William O’Rourke’s three wickets and Rachin Ravindra’s century, set up the memorable win.
New Zealand chased down a target of 107, making it the first time since 2000 that a team successfully chased over 100 in the fourth innings in India. This win gave New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Indian Collapse and Missed Opportunity
Despite a 462-run second innings, India’s batting collapsed after a strong start. Sarfaraz Khan’s 150, Rishabh Pant’s 99, and key partnerships with Virat Kohli helped India gain a 106-run lead. However, their middle order faltered with the new ball, losing seven wickets for just 54 runs. In contrast, New Zealand’s lower-order contributions from Ravindra and Southee were crucial in their first innings total of 402. Ultimately, Will Young and Ravindra guided New Zealand to victory after India’s bowlers struggled to defend the modest target.
India’s loss to New Zealand not only highlighted their vulnerability at home but also placed Rohit Sharma alongside Dhoni and Ganguly with three home Test defeats as captain. Despite solid contributions from Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, and the bowlers’ initial fight, India’s batting collapse and inability to capitalize on their second innings lead cost them dearly.
New Zealand’s all-round performance, led by Henry’s lethal bowling and Ravindra’s key knocks, secured their first win in India in over 36 years. With this victory, the Kiwis have set the tone for the series, leaving India to reflect on their missed opportunities.
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