New Zealand achieved a historic feat by defeating India 3-0 in their Test series, marking the first time India has ever been whitewashed in a series of three or more Tests on home soil. The Kiwis clinched the series with a 25-run victory at Wankhede Stadium, a result that shook the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
This loss saw India, led by Rohit Sharma, slip from the top position in the WTC rankings to second place. New Zealand, meanwhile, surged back to fourth place, reclaiming the spot they lost to South Africa earlier in the week when the Proteas swept Bangladesh.
New Zealand’s First Innings: A Challenging Start
Electing to bat first, New Zealand found themselves struggling against a fierce Indian spin attack but managed to post 235. Will Young (71) and Daryl Mitchell (82) anchored the innings with crucial half-centuries, as only four New Zealand batters reached double digits. Ravindra Jadeja starred for India with a five-wicket haul, well-supported by Washington Sundar, who claimed four wickets.
India appeared to be in a comfortable position as they reached 78/1, but a sudden collapse in the final minutes of the day shifted momentum. A chaotic 15-minute spell saw India lose three quick wickets, ending the day precariously at 86/4 after a run-out incident involving Virat Kohli.
India’s Response: A Brief Resurgence
On Day 2, Shubman Gill (90) and Rishabh Pant (60) led a spirited fightback with a 96-run partnership, each scoring vital half-centuries. Washington Sundar added an important 38 off 36 balls to help India scrape out a slender 28-run lead. Ajaz Patel, New Zealand’s left-arm spinner, capitalized on Mitchell Santner’s absence, picking up five wickets and ensuring India’s lead remained narrow.
New Zealand’s Second Innings: Jadeja Dominates Again But Black Caps Fights Back
New Zealand’s second innings once again saw Will Young as the top-scorer with a determined 51, though his teammates struggled to keep up. Ravindra Jadeja wreaked havoc, claiming his second five-wicket haul and finishing with 10 wickets in the match. Ravichandran Ashwin, after going wicketless in the first innings, found his rhythm in the second with three crucial dismissals.
India faced a target of 147 to avoid a whitewash, but their top order faltered once more, losing half the team for just 29 runs. Rishabh Pant attempted to turn the game around with an aggressive 50 off 48 balls, putting together partnerships with Jadeja (42 runs) and Sundar (35 runs). But Ajaz Patel struck again, dismissing Pant with a brilliant delivery, completing his second five-wicket haul and ending India’s hopes.
This historic series victory cements New Zealand’s reputation as a formidable Test side, capable of adapting and excelling even in challenging away conditions. The win also underscores India’s recent struggles with middle-order stability and spin counterattacks, which could be critical points of focus as they prepare for upcoming matches in the WTC.
