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The recent Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru marked a significant upset, ending in an eight-wicket victory for the visiting team. This defeat signifies a concerning trend for India, as it marks their second Test loss in 2024, following their defeat against England in Hyderabad in January. The last time India suffered two consecutive home Test losses was in 2012, again at the hands of England.
The recent performance underscores a growing vulnerability in India's home record. While they have historically been a formidable force at home, their recent struggles have raised concerns about their ability to maintain their dominance. The losses against England and New Zealand highlight weaknesses in the team's performance, prompting a review of strategies and player selection.
The Test match also exposed the limitations of India's spin bowlers, who were unable to effectively contain the New Zealand batsmen. The high cost of runs conceded by the spinners exposed a critical weakness in their bowling attack. This is a significant concern for India, given their reliance on spin bowlers in home conditions. The team will need to address this issue to ensure a stronger performance in future matches.
Source: A win in India for New Zealand after 36 years, and an expensive Test for spinners