India vs New Zealand: India’s decade-long dominance in home Test cricket is in danger. Since 2012, India has remained invincible, losing only four matches in the last 12 years. But the brilliance of Rachin Ravindra has turned the tables, as his outstanding 173 runs guided New Zealand to a historic win in Bengaluru. It’s been 36 long years since the Kiwis last tasted Test victory on Indian soil, and this win not only marks a landmark moment but also raises questions about India’s performance and captaincy.
Rachin Ravindra’s Match-Winning Heroics
Rachin Ravindra, already familiar with Bengaluru conditions due to his consistent performance across formats, stepped up when it mattered the most. His outstanding knock in the first Test not only earned him the well-deserved “Player of the Match” award but also cemented his place in history. With support from key players like Tim Southee, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, and William O’Rourke, Rachin propelled New Zealand from a vulnerable 233/7 to a massive 402, giving the visitors an imposing 356-run lead.
His crucial 137-run partnership with Southee was pivotal, turning what could have been a mere 207-run chase into a much more manageable 107-run target. If not for Rachin’s century, India could have easily kept themselves in contention.
India’s Batting Woes Continue
Despite the brilliance of New Zealand’s performance, India’s batting left much to be desired. While the decision to bat first wasn’t heavily debated, the way India’s top-order collapsed was shocking. Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yashasvi Jaiswal threw away their wickets, leading to an embarrassing 46/10. Such a collapse on a home pitch is unacceptable, even on a tough surface.
The second innings didn’t fare much better, with India crumbling from 408/3 to 462/10, losing seven wickets for just 56 runs. While both Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan put up commendable individual performances—Pant falling in the 90s and Sarfaraz scoring 150—the rest of the lineup, particularly Jadeja, faltered under pressure. After Pant’s mighty 107-meter six, the new ball exposed India’s vulnerabilities, leaving the team in a dire situation.
Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Under Fire
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy was far from his best in this match. Several strategic decisions, from the controversial choice to send Virat Kohli to bat at number three instead of the experienced KL Rahul, to his handling of the bowling attack, left fans and critics puzzled.
When New Zealand was struggling at 233/7, Rohit had the perfect opportunity to hand the ball to Jasprit Bumrah and break the dangerous partnership between Southee and Rachin Ravindra. Instead, he kept the spinners on, allowing the pair to pile up 137 crucial runs. Bumrah bowled only three overs during this critical phase, a decision that arguably shifted the match in New Zealand’s favor. A more aggressive approach from the skipper at that point could have avoided the need for the new ball altogether.
Is This the Beginning of Ashwin’s Decline?
One of the biggest concerns to arise from this match was the form of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Once the lynchpin of India’s bowling attack, Ashwin has been slow to find his rhythm recently. In the first innings, he went for nearly six runs per over, taking only one wicket—more by luck than skill. Rohit’s reluctance to hand him the ball while defending a low total of 107 further underlines the growing doubt over Ashwin’s consistency.
While age inevitably catches up with every athlete, it’s becoming more apparent that Ashwin’s peak form might be behind him. Though he can still produce moments of brilliance, the gap between those highs and his increasing off-days suggests a possible decline.
India vs New Zealand – Conclusion
This victory for New Zealand in Bengaluru not only breaks India’s decade-long stronghold at home but also highlights several cracks in the team’s armor. From questionable batting strategies to underwhelming captaincy and concerns over key players like Ashwin, India will need to regroup and rethink their approach moving forward.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Rachin Ravindra’s incredible performance has etched his name into New Zealand’s cricketing history, while India is left to answer some tough questions.
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FAQ
When was the last time India lost a Test series at home?
India last lost a Test series at home in 2012. Since then, they have dominated on home soil, losing only four matches in the last 12 years
