India’s Home Streak Broken as New Zealand Scores Historic Test Series Win

After the dust settles, India will have to analyze what led to their shocking defeat against New Zealand in Pune. New Zealand broke India’s dominant home winning streak—an achievement dating back to 1955—with a powerful performance that few expected.

This New Zealand team has been going through changes. They lost captain Kane Williamson to injury, and, after a recent series loss to Sri Lanka, handed the leadership to Tom Latham. Yet, they managed to take down India, who currently sits at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) and were vying for a spot in the final.

For fans of cricket upsets, this one might just make it to the top of the list.

Latham’s Side Stuns India in Bengaluru

Captain Tom Latham was almost at a loss for words. He'd previously joked about choosing to bat first in Bengaluru—a move that had initially cost India the game. But this time, Latham watched as his bowlers bowled India out for their lowest Test score at home. A young New Zealand batter took charge against India’s senior spinners and led New Zealand to victory with a fresh new ball.

If this win wasn’t enough, New Zealand’s next feat in Pune solidified their dominance. India had been known to prepare spinning tracks that would challenge any team, but New Zealand took India’s game and played it better. Mitchell Santner, their main spinner, managed to outplay India’s spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja. New Zealand used smart play, mixing up shot selection and tight bowling to keep India’s experienced players under pressure. In doing so, they showed how they learned from India’s own tactics to beat them at home.

For New Zealand, it was a win that ranks up with their all-time best away victories. Though it wasn’t as thrilling as India’s famous win at the Gabba, the achievement feels equally monumental. This marks a trend for New Zealand—taking down India at critical moments, like the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the 2021 WTC final. This latest win may inspire the next wave of New Zealand cricket stars.

India’s Senior Players Face Questions

For India, this loss raises questions, especially about their senior players. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggled, managing only half-centuries in Bengaluru. Ashwin, typically strong at home, had a quiet series, while young Washington Sundar stepped in and impressed. India too is in a transitional period, and this series highlighted it. They’ve now lost four home Tests in two years. Result-oriented pitches, especially in the WTC era, are leveling the field for opponents, chipping away at India’s home dominance.

After the Pune Test, Rohit Sharma spoke cautiously, defending his team and offering some perspective.

“Of the 54 Test matches, we have won 42—that’s about 80%. So, there’s much more good than bad. Of course, it’s important to look at the losses, but not to react in a way that pressures the team too much. Losing a series here and there is part of the game,” Rohit noted.

India’s High Expectations on Home Soil

In a lighter moment, Rohit acknowledged the weight of India’s success on expectations. “We’ve been winning so often at home that everyone expects us to win every game. That’s just the result of our success,” he said.

After two back-to-back losses, Rohit has repeatedly had to calm the media and fans. Next up is a challenging tour in Australia, where India must win at least four of the five games to secure a WTC final spot. Considering the setbacks of this series, India has some work ahead if they’re to meet that goal.

Sources: Internet Sources & Twitter X 

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