File image of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.© AFP

New Zealand’s (NZ) historic 3-0 series whitewash against India has been met with high praise, particularly for the leadership of new captain Tom Latham. Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond commended Latham’s captaincy, crediting both his individual performance and the foundation laid by former captain Tim Southee. “Great start to your captaincy reign! I think you’ve got to pay some credit to Tim Southee, who was magnanimous enough to step down and say, ‘look, it’s someone else’s time’, and Tom would have reaped the rewards of a lot of the work that Tim’s done over the last few years. But I know Latham’s a very good captain, good man, and good leader. I thought the innings he played in the Pune Test was the best innings I’ve seen him play, leading from the front,” Bond said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Bond also highlighted the strategic changes that contributed to New Zealand’s success in India. He pointed out the importance of having versatile bowlers like Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, who have developed their spin bowling to add depth to the team’s attack.

“I think New Zealand have come to India this time with part-time spin bowlers. In the past, we’ve had the part-time medium-pace bowlers. And now when you look at someone like Glenn Phillips, who has really worked hard over the last four years to develop his bowling, even Rachin Ravindra… just having those options has allowed New Zealand to have much more depth in the spin-bowling department and that’s led to having depth in their batting, which has really helped them,” Bond explained.

Reflecting on the overall achievement, Bond expressed his delight and acknowledged the significance of the series win, particularly after the team’s recent performance in Sri Lanka.

“Delight is the first reaction. New Zealand coming off the back of that series in Sri Lanka where they played pretty well, probably could have won the first Test, but lost the series 2-0. I don’t think anyone, anywhere, especially at home, thought we could win this series, let alone a 3-0 sweep. I gave a little fist pump when Ajaz [Patel] went through the gate to get that last wicket [of Washington Sundar] and I’m absolutely delighted for the players, for Gary [Stead], the head coach,” Bond said.

“It’s always nice to see history created and for a team like New Zealand to beat India and become the first team to sweep them in a three-match series at home is something pretty remarkable,” Bond added.

Former captain Daniel Vettori termed New Zealand’s 3-0 Test series win on Indian soil as his country’s greatest achievement while ex-batter Ross Taylor said he did not think of a clean sweep even “in our wildest dreams”. India suffered a humiliating series whitewash after losing the third match by 25 runs to New Zealand in Mumbai on Sunday, the first time in their Test history, which goes back to 1933. New Zealand had come to India after being thrashed 0-2 by a Sri Lankan team that is in transition. The Black Caps were also without their biggest batting star, Kane Williamson, thanks to injury.

“The expectation for any touring team that goes to India on these types of wickets is that it’s going to be incredibly difficult. We understand the challenge and in a lot of ways it’s just how are you going to compete against them.

“… given the history with two Test match wins in almost 80 years and a lot of trying. You have to go back to the great Sir Richard Hadlee’s era, and he could only get one win,” Vettori, a spin great, was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“So for this team to come here and get that first one and then to win a series is probably New Zealand cricket’s greatest.” Taylor, a former batting star, is in awe of the New Zealand team after the historic Test series sweep in India.

“I think the way they played throughout the whole series … I think we hoped more than thought we were going to win. But a clean sweep – think it still hasn’t quite sunk in among the New Zealand public, probably for the players as well.

“After winning the first Test (in Bengaluru), it gave the team as well as the public some belief, but I don’t think even in our wildest dreams we imagined a clean sweep and such a convincing performance from Tom (Latham), Gary and the boys.

“This has to be the greatest New Zealand series win in Test cricket. No one has done it. South Africa have won a two-match series 2-0, but 3-0 in India, I don’t think anyone could see this at the start. So this surpasses the 2-1 Test victory in the ’80s against Australia.” Asked how New Zealand pulled off the amazing feat, Taylor said, “Obviously, you come to India after being completely outplayed in Sri Lanka, probably only the players in that dressing room and the support staff gave themselves a chance … But a New Zealand team that’s got their backs against the wall is a pretty dangerous side.

“You need a little bit of luck as well. Bengaluru was a good toss to lose. And then winning the toss in the next two Tests (in Pune and Mumbai) after New Zealand knew they are likely to play on turners after India went down in the first Test was significant.” For former express pacer Shane Bond too, it was not difficult to acknowledge it as the best result ever result for New Zealand in Test cricket.

“No other team has come and done what New Zealand have. When you talk to all the teams about touring India, it almost seems like mission impossible. Even the great Australian team came there and couldn’t win.

“So for NZ to have won 3-0, I know they’ve made World Cup finals and would have loved to have won an ODI World Cup, but I think in terms of red-ball cricket, alongside the WTC (title win), this is far and away the best series result ever.

“I don’t think anyone, anywhere, especially at home, thought we could win this series, let alone a 3-0 sweep.” 

Virat Kohli got run out for just four runs in the India vs NZ 3rd Test.© AFP

File image of Harshit Rana.© BCCI

India’s shocking loss against New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru raised many questions on the team’s strategy. The match was cut short to four days as the first day got washed out due to rain. In the remaining days, the Kiwis outplayed India in all the departments and claimed a historic eight-wicket win, which also turned out to be their first victory on the Indian soil since 1988. After the loss, criticism from the fans and cricket experts started to haunt the Indian players.

A particular set of criticism was targetted towards KL Rahul, who miserably failed to leave a mark in the match. In both the innings, Rahul registered poor scores of 0 and 12 and could not live up to the expectations.

As batter Sarfaraz Khan, who came in as a replacement of an injured Shubman Gill, scored a promising 150, many fans and experts demanded Rahul to be dropped on the return of Gill in the second Test.

However, former India spinner Venkatpathy Raju has backed the 32-year-old batter, stating that the Indian team should not tinker with the XI.

“I don’t think we should tinker with the playing XI. If I were the captain, I would go with the same side. You need experienced hands in your team. You can’t bench KL Rahul after just one Test match. He is an experienced batter and should play the next Test. There’s no need to panic,” Raju told Times of India.

“India are still on top of the WTC standings. Rohit is a positive captain. He goes in with a positive approach, and he knows that what’s done is done, and now it’s time to level the series. I’m sure he will,” he added.

Raju further stated that keeping the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in mind, Team India should give another chance to Rahul.

“India should think about those five Tests in Australia and not panic. Let’s play KL Rahul in the second Test and give him a chance. He’ll bounce back. He has experience. India just need to pull up their socks. That’s it,” said Raju.

The second Test between India and New Zealand will kick-start from Thursday in Pune. Rohit Sharma and co will now look to level the three-match series.

As India collapsed to 46 all out in the first Test against New Zealand, former India cricketer Manoj Tiwari criticised not only India’s selection, but also the apparent lack of common sense in certain decisions taken by the team. Tiwary criticised captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir, emphasizing that their decision to bat despite an entire day being washed out due to rain as a bizarre decision. He also critiqued Gambhir further for not being able to guide Rohit Sharma in his selection process.

“Sometimes I don’t understand the decisions. Common sense seems to be lacking. What the coach or captain is trying to prove, is beyond my understanding,” Tiwary said, speaking on the Cricbuzz YouTube channel.

“I feel like, whenever there is a new coach or new captain, they try to prove something, and take such decisions,” said Tiwary.

Tiwary pointed out that Rohit had even admitted to misreading the pitch. He stated that three pacers should’ve played, while Ashwin should’ve bowled more. He also said that Rohit should’ve been better guided by coach Gautam Gambhir.

“I knew that one of the spinners would be under-bowled, but I never imagined that it would be Ashwin. He has over 500 Test wickets. When you are defending 107, why didn’t you bring him in the attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah?” Tiwary continued.

“Good captains also make mistakes, because a lot of things go through your mind. Here, the role of the coach to give constant guidance is very important, but I don’t know why that did not happen,” he added.

Tiwary also said that pacer Akash Deep‘s confidence may have been affected after he was dropped from the XI.

“Akash Deep’s confidence must’ve suffered a big blow when he found out he wasn’t part of the playing XI against Bangladesh,” said Tiwary.

“He was outstanding in the Bangladesh series, and his confidence would’ve been sky-high. Having seen the conditions on Day 1, he would’ve been shocked to find out that he’d been dropped from the team,” Tiwary added.

India have two more Tests remaining in the series against New Zealand to make a comeback.

File image of Jasprit Bumrah.© X (Twitter)

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra said that his Indian heritage helped him tackle spin better during Kiwis’ win over India in the first Test. Rachin, born to Bengaluru parents in New Zealand, starred in NZ’s first Test win in India after 36 years, smashing a fine 134 in the first innings to help Kiwis take a massive lead of 356 runs, something from which India could not fully recover despite a fine show with the bat in the second innings. Later during the run chase of 107 runs, Rachin played a calm and composed knock of 39*, guiding his side to a monumental win.

Speaking exclusively on JioCinema, ‘Player of the Match’ Rachin, shared insights into his approach against spin after New Zealand’s victory over India in the 1st Test of the series.

Reflecting on his game plan, Ravindra said: “I do not necessarily play in the traditional style of Westerners who come over here. I have Indian heritage and have played a lot of cricket in India, which has helped me develop those game plans. I am not a massive sweeper or reverse sweeper, so I stick to my strengths. I was able to play against the spin, and with fewer fielders on that side, it helped me accumulate runs.”

He also expressed his fondness for playing in Bengaluru saying that the city is special for him, both on the field and away from it, because of his family connections here.

“Bengaluru is always special for me, not just for cricket but off the field too. It is a great city, and I feel very welcomed by the fans and the people here. Having family connections here makes it even more special, as I don’t get to see them often. Playing in front of them is always an amazing feeling,” he said.

Rachin said that as far as his batting approach is concerned, he is well aware of the class of his opposition and focuses on manipulating their lengths and getting in good positions to score.

“I was able to get some good practice in Chennai before this series, and that definitely helped,” he concluded.

Chasing a total of 107 runs, Jasprit Bumrah (2/29) tried posing some challenge, but Will Young (48*) and Rachin (39*) helped Kiwis complete a comprehensive win.

Earlier, India had taken a 106-run lead in the second innings, scoring 462/10 in response to New Zealand’s total of 402/10 in the first innings. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (35 from 52 balls, with six fours) and skipper Rohit Sharma (52 from 63 balls, with eight fours and a six) gave India a solid start with a 72-run opening stand.

Sarfaraz then took charge, first forming a 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli (70 from 102 balls, with eight fours and a six) and later a 177-run stand with Pant (99 from 105 balls, with nine fours and five sixes) to put India in the lead. However, the introduction of the new ball saw India lose seven wickets for just 54 runs, with the middle order failing to contribute significantly.

William O’Rourke (3/92) and Matt Henry (3/102) took full advantage of the new ball, dismantling the Indian batting line-up just when a massive lead seemed likely. Spinner Ajaz Patel took two wickets, while Glenn Phillips and Tim Southee chipped in with one each.

In their first innings, New Zealand posted 402 in response to India’s 356. A magnificent century from Rachin Ravindra (134 from 157 balls, with 13 fours and four sixes) and a quickfire 65 from Southee (73 balls, eight fours, and four sixes) helped lift New Zealand from 233/7 to 402, thanks to a 137-run stand for the eighth wicket. Devon Conway (91 from 105 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes) also made a valuable contribution at the top.

Ravindra Jadeja (3/72) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/99) bowled well for India, while Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets, and Ravichandran Ashwin and Bumrah took one each.

Earlier, after electing to bat, India had a nightmare start under overcast, pace-friendly conditions. Henry (5/15) and O’Rourke (4/22) ran through the Indian batting order, bundling them out for just 46 runs in 31.2 overs. Only Jaiswal (13) and Pant (20) managed to reach double figures.

Brief Scores:

India: 46 and 462 (Sarfaraz Khan 150, Rishabh Pant 99, William O’Rourke 3/92) lost to New Zealand: 402 and 110/2 (Will Young 48*, Rachin Ravindra 39*, Jasprit Bumrah 2/29).

Former India cricketer-turned-pundit Sanjay Manjrekar singled out India batter Sarfaraz Khan for special praise, following Day 3 of the first Test between India and New Zealand. Sarfaraz scored his half-century in more than a run-a-ball and then ended the day unbeaten on 70 off 78 balls. Manjrekar reserved high praise for him, comparing him to legendary Pakistani batter Javed Miandad. Manjrekar hailed Sarfaraz’s approach in batting, be it to play offensively or defensively, and likened him to a ‘2024 version of Javed Miandad’.

On Day 4, Sarfaraz Khan slammed his maiden Test ton in just 110 balls.

“Sarfaraz reminds me of a Javed Miandad of the 1980s but this is a 2024 version of a Javed Miandad,” said Manjrekar, speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s YouTube channel.

“Really impressed with the way he played. We know he plays spin well but I liked the way he played fast bowlers,” Manjrekar continued.

Miandad boasts more than 16,000 international runs for Pakistan across Tests and ODIs, with a particularly impressive Test average of 52.57, meaning it is high praise from Manjrekar for Sarfaraz.

Sarfaraz endured a tough start to the Test as he was out for a duck in India’s collapse to 46 all out. However, having replaced the injured Shubman Gill in the side, Sarfaraz impressed in the second innings as India attempted to bounce back.

Manjrekar praised Sarfaraz’s game awareness, particularly towards the end of the day.

“Towards the end of the day’s play, he was looking to play defensively and wanting bad light when there was actually bright light. I loved the way he was ducking to bouncers, just trying to play the day out so he has that game as well and that augurs well for India and Sarfaraz Khan for Australia because he has shown that element of batting as well,” Manjrekar further said.

Sarfaraz stitched a 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli in the second innings, before the latter departed on the final ball of Day 3.