In a stunning turn of events, the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, has lost its first Test series at home in 12 years, succumbing to New Zealand in a decisive second Test match. Played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, the match concluded with India falling short by 113 runs, thereby losing the series 0-2.
A Series to Forget
This series defeat marks a significant low for Indian cricket, especially given the nation’s historic dominance on home turf. The team had previously lost its last home Test series back in 2012, making this latest outcome all the more painful for fans and players alike. The first Test, held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, also ended unfavorably for India, with New Zealand clinching victory by eight wickets.
Statistical Insights
Historically, New Zealand has not been a formidable opponent in India. Since their first tour in 1955, they managed to win only two Tests in the country before this series—those victories occurring in 1969 and 1988. With this series win, Tom Latham’s team now joins an exclusive club, as India had lost only three Test series at home since 2000—against South Africa in 2000, Australia in 2004-05, and England in 2012.
Social Media Backlash
The unexpected loss has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans expressing their disappointment and frustration. Many netizens took to Twitter to voice their opinions, with some nostalgic for the days of past captains.
One user lamented, “Shastri era – Toota hai Gabba ka ghamand, Gambhir era – Toot gaya apne ghar ka ghamand.” Another commented, “Rahane and Pujara watching Indian middle order,” highlighting concerns about the batting lineup.
Additionally, a user reflected on the legacy of MS Dhoni, stating, “Reminder MS Dhoni left Test captaincy when India was in 7th position in ranking. The Mumbai lobby won’t tell you about this. Then Virat Kohli came and ruled Test cricket for fun.”
Another critical tweet read, “Rt if you think Rohit Sharma is not even 1% of Virat Kohli as a Test captain. CLUELESS CAPTAIN ROHIT SHARMA,” signaling dissatisfaction with Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
The Road Ahead
As the Indian team gears up for the third Test scheduled from November 1 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, they are under pressure to avoid a clean sweep against New Zealand. The players are reportedly practicing rigorously to bounce back and restore pride.
Conclusion
This unexpected loss serves as a wake-up call for Indian cricket. With a passionate fan base and a history of excellence, the team will need to regroup and reassess their strategies. As the cricketing world watches closely, all eyes will be on the upcoming match to see if India can reclaim its standing and end the series on a high note.
