India experienced its first home Test series loss in 12 years after New Zealand won the second Test by 113 runs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. This defeat marks India’s first loss at home since they were beaten by England in 2012.
The series began poorly for India with a disappointing loss in Bengaluru, where they were bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings. In the second Test in Pune, India struggled again, managing to score only 156 runs in their first innings. New Zealand’s Tom Latham played a key role in their victory, scoring 86 runs and helping set a challenging target of 359 runs for India. Unfortunately for the Indian team, they were unable to chase down this target.
Prior to this series, India had an impressive streak of 18 consecutive home Test series victories, showcasing their dominance in home conditions. This recent loss has put a spotlight on the team’s performance and raised questions about their ability to compete against strong international sides.
With this defeat, India not only lost the series but also their unbeaten run at home, marking a significant moment in Indian cricket history. The team will need to regroup and reassess their strategies to bounce back in future matches and restore their reputation as a formidable force in Test cricket.
