New Zealand Ends India’s 18-Series Winning Streak at Home in Historic Victory
India’s dominance in their home conditions was finally broken by New Zealand, who became only the sixth visiting side to defeat India in a bilateral series in the longest format of the game. This historic victory marked New Zealand’s 13th visit to Indian shores, with their last series win in India dating back to November 1988.
Breakdown of Series Wins in India
Before this defeat, India had an impressive streak of 18 consecutive series wins at home. The last time they faced a series defeat on home soil was in 2012/13 when England clinched a 2-1 victory in a four-Test rubber. This streak of 18 series wins is the longest for any side at home, with Australia’s ten series wins coming in at a distant second.
Interestingly, this defeat was only the third instance of India losing three or more Tests in a calendar year at home. The previous instances were in 1969 and 1983 against Australia, New Zealand, and West Indies. Before the New Zealand series, India had also faced a defeat to England earlier in the year in Hyderabad.
Individual Performances in the Series
Rohit Sharma, as captain, faced four defeats in 15 Tests at home, making him one of the Indian captains with the joint second-most losses. The top spot is held by MAK Pataudi, followed by Kapil Dev and Mohammad Azharuddin.
In the historic series win for New Zealand, Mitchell Santner’s exceptional performance stood out. His match figures of 13/157 make him the third-best New Zealand bowler in terms of match figures. Santner became only the third bowler to pick 13 wickets or more against India in a Test, joining Ajaz Patel and Ian Botham in this achievement.
Spinners played a significant role in the series, accounting for 37 wickets in the match. This match witnessed the joint-most wickets taken by spinners in a game played on Indian soil. Additionally, Santner’s feat of taking five-fers in both innings of a Test puts him in an elite group alongside Daniel Vettori.
Records and Milestones
Washington Sundar’s match figures of 11/115 also made a mark, being the second-best for India in a losing effort. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 1056 runs in a calendar year set a new record for the most runs by a batter in India, surpassing Gundappa Viswanath’s record from 1979. Jaiswal became only the sixth batter overall and the third Indian to aggregate 1000+ runs in a calendar year at home.
Overall, New Zealand’s victory over India marked a significant milestone in the history of cricket, ending India’s long-standing dominance at home and showcasing exceptional individual performances that will be remembered for years to come.
Impact of New Zealand’s Victory
New Zealand’s triumph over India not only ended India’s remarkable series-winning streak at home but also highlighted the quality and resilience of the New Zealand cricket team. This victory showcased New Zealand’s ability to perform under pressure in challenging conditions, earning them respect and admiration from cricket enthusiasts worldwide. It also underscored the competitive nature of Test cricket and the unpredictability of the game, where any team can emerge victorious on a given day.
Furthermore, this historic win for New Zealand could serve as a confidence booster for the team, especially as they prepare for future series and tournaments. It could also motivate them to strive for further success and solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in the international cricketing arena.
Evolution of Cricket in India
India’s defeat to New Zealand highlighted the evolving nature of cricket in India, where the home team is no longer invincible and faces stiff competition from visiting sides. This result serves as a reminder that success in cricket is not guaranteed and that every team must continuously work hard and adapt to stay competitive in the sport.
Additionally, this defeat could prompt India to reassess their strategies, player performances, and overall approach to the game. It may lead to introspection and constructive changes within the Indian cricketing setup to address any weaknesses and enhance their performance in future series.
Global Impact on Test Cricket
New Zealand’s victory over India in a Test series not only made headlines in the cricketing world but also had a broader impact on the perception of Test cricket as a format. It showcased the excitement and drama that Test matches can offer, further emphasizing the unique charm and significance of the longest format of the game.
Furthermore, this result highlighted the competitiveness and parity among international cricket teams, demonstrating that no team is unbeatable and that upsets can occur regardless of rankings or past performances. It added a new layer of unpredictability and intrigue to Test cricket, enticing fans to follow the sport more closely and appreciate the beauty of the game.
Looking Ahead
As both teams reflect on the outcome of the series, they will undoubtedly draw valuable lessons and insights to carry forward into their future encounters. For India, this defeat could serve as a learning experience, prompting them to regroup, strategize effectively, and come back stronger in their upcoming matches. New Zealand, on the other hand, will aim to build on their success, maintain their momentum, and continue to make strides in the world of cricket.
Ultimately, the New Zealand-India series not only marked a historic moment in cricket but also set the stage for new narratives, rivalries, and achievements in the ever-evolving landscape of the sport. It reinforced the notion that cricket is a game of uncertainties, where every match brings a new opportunity for players and teams to shine and make their mark on the cricketing world.
