IND vs NZ: India’s home test dominance ends with Rohit-Gambhir duo
Xtra Time Web Desk: India’s remarkable 12-year unbeaten home Test record came to an abrupt halt as Rohit Sharma’s team faced a 2-0 series defeat to New Zealand, capped by a loss in the Pune Test. This setback raises concerns for India as they prepare for the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia. The series defeat has not only spotlighted recent gaps in the team’s form but has also drawn significant fan criticism toward Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir's new strategic approach.
Following India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph and the conclusion of Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach, Gambhir took over with both high hopes and apprehensions from fans. His early months as coach have seen mixed outcomes, including the end of several long-standing records. Under Gambhir and Rohit’s guidance, India endured its first ODI series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years. That was followed by a heavy defeat to New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test, which ended a 36-year unbeaten home Test record against the Kiwis, and now, the Pune Test defeat has snapped India’s home Test series win streak dating back to 2012.
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watch how people reacted:
Lost a ODI series against Sri Lanka after 27 years.
— Aryan Kr. (@aryan18kr) October 26, 2024
Lost a home test match against New Zealand after 36 years.
Lost Test series at home after 12 years.
Welcome to Rohit & Gambhir Era.
#INDvNZ #PAKvENG #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/e2wTPXCLKE
If you think Gautam gambhir is responsible for breaking indian home test legacy ???? . Like this tweet and I will give 1000 Rupees to everyone ????????#INDvNZ #indvsnz #gambhir pic.twitter.com/G1svdNUcCA
— Ashish (@SirAshu2002) October 26, 2024
Rohit Sharma, Kohli Sahab, Gautam Gambhir... pic.twitter.com/DLL1tmgGQ1
— John Oldman (@PrasunNagar) October 26, 2024
You seriously can't defend this test series loss at home by Rohit and Gambhir.
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) October 26, 2024
For once, I'm asking you all to raise the right questions instead of defending everything that your favorite does. It's not always about fan wars but more about the future of Indian cricket. pic.twitter.com/4ILRjuBbe5
Critics argue that the team’s dependency on senior players, especially Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, has underscored vulnerabilities in India’s current form. In both Tests, India’s batting and bowling units struggled to maintain consistency, with Rohit and Kohli unable to stabilize innings during critical moments. India’s bowling attack also faltered, unable to counter New Zealand’s momentum in Pune, leading to this historic series loss.
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As India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour starting November 22, the final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai on November 1 will be crucial. This last home match offers an opportunity for India to regain stability, refine their combinations, and rebuild confidence ahead of a challenging series against Australia. A win in Mumbai would not only boost the team’s morale but also help them find momentum as they head into high-stakes competition on Australian soil.