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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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IND vs NZ: How India can still qualify for WTC final despite crushing home series loss to New Zealand?

watch how people reacted: 

Lost a ODI series against Sri Lanka after 27 years.
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

— Aryan Kr. (@aryan18kr) October 26, 2024

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.

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

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) October 26, 2024

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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IND vs NZ: ‘Hurting!’, here is what Ravi Shastri says about Rohit Sharma!

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.