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The recent three-Test series between India and New Zealand marked a devastating period for Indian cricket, culminating in a historic defeat. New Zealand, led by Tom Latham, demonstrated an unwavering dominance, outperforming India in every facet of the game, ultimately claiming victory in all three matches. The series served as a stark reminder of India's vulnerability against a formidable opponent, particularly on turning wickets that favored spin bowling.
The first Test in Bengaluru saw India crumble to a paltry 46 all out in the first innings, setting the tone for a disastrous series. India's captain, Rohit Sharma, admitted to misjudging the pitch conditions and opted to bat first, a decision that proved to be a costly mistake. The series continued to unravel in Pune, where Mitchell Santner's masterful spin bowling exposed India's weakness against left-arm spinners. The Indian batsmen struggled to decipher Santner's variations, leading to another comprehensive defeat.
The final Test in Mumbai further highlighted India's struggles against spin, as the team succumbed to a crushing loss. The Indian batsmen, including senior players like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin, appeared ill-equipped to handle the challenging conditions. The collapse began with Sharma's miscued pull shot against Matt Henry, setting the stage for a disappointing end to the series. New Zealand's victory marked the first time they had beaten India in three consecutive Tests at home, showcasing the growing gap in skill and strategy between the two teams.
The defeat serves as a significant wake-up call for India, as they face a period of transition with several senior players entering the twilight of their careers. The recent performance, however, points to a larger issue within the team's structure and approach. It remains to be seen how India will respond to this setback and address the vulnerabilities exposed during the series. The team will need to reassess its strategies and make necessary adjustments to reclaim its dominance in the cricketing world.
Source: India vs New Zealand: Gone with the spin in less than 10 days as India suffers historic defeat