India Eye Historic First In Pursuit Of Never-Seen-Before Win vs New Zealand In Pune Test

26.10.2024 - 08:15 sports.ndtv.com

The Indian cricket team is staring at a rare Test series loss after being outplayed by New Zealand in the first two matches of a three-game rubber.

After suffering a shock eight-wicket defeat to the Kiwis in Bengaluru, India trail 0-1 in the series. In the ongoing second Test, the Rohit Sharma-led side conceded a 103-run lead in the first innings, before New Zealand extended their lead to 301 by the end of Day 2.

New Zealand added just 57 runs to their overnight score of 198/5, setting India a target of 359. With three days left in the Pune Test, India have a mountain to climb to avoid a first series defeat at home for the first time in 12 years.

India last lost a Test series at home when England beat the MS Dhoni-led side 2-1. Since then, India have won 18 successive Test series at home, including a recent 2-0 success over Bangladesh.

cricket India Cricket Team New Zealand Cricket Team 2024 Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Rishabh Pant Shubman Gill Spain Australia Washington New Zealand India Bangladesh county Garden

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has fired shots at the Indian cricket team following its rare series loss at home to New Zealand. New Zealand on Saturday won the second Test in Pune by 113 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, and handed India a first home series loss in nearly 12 years. While speaking on his YouTube channel, Shehzad hailed New Zealand for dominating India in their own backyard. He also labelled the Indian team as "paper tigers".

Fresh Video Of Virat Kohli's Reaction After 'Heartbreaking' Dismissal In Pune Test Goes Viral

Batting maestro Virat Kohli was visibly heartbroken after his dismissal on Day 3 of the second Test against New Zealand, which India lost by 113 runs in Pune to concede the series. He was dismissed on 17 by Mitchell Santner, sparking an India batting collapse. With a mammoth target of 359 in front of them, India needed Kohli to stand tall with the Rohit Sharma and others already back in the hut. While Kohli did get a decent start, he was undone by a beautiful delivery from Santer, who got it to zip quickly off the surface. The ball hit him straight in front of the leg stump and umpire Richard Illingworth raised his finger.

"There Will Be Cracks In Team": Ex-India Star's Blunt Warning After Pune Test Loss

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has criticised captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir after the Test series loss to New Zealand on Saturday. Rohit and co's loss to the Kiwis in the second Pune Test marked the end of an 18-series winning streak at home for Team India. Following the embarrassing loss, Rohit and Gambhir have come under the scanner for their approach and team selection. During a discussion, Tiwary warned Rohit and Gambhir of "cracks in the dressing room."

Blame Game Begins On Pune Pitch, India Team Management Under Question From World Cup Winner

Following India's disappointing defeat to New Zealand, former India cricketer Madan Lal offered a candid analysis of the team's performance, highlighting key factors behind the loss, such as the importance of home conditions and the need for a stronger showing from the top order. 1983 World Cup winner Lal began by discussing the advantage of playing on home turf, saying, "At home, we usually win series because the conditions favour us. The pitches suit our style, and we are accustomed to batting and playing here. We are more familiar with the weather and climate. Given all these factors, India generally has the upper hand."

"Need To Chat With Certain Individuals": Rohit Sharma Makes Intentions Clear After India's Historic Loss vs NZ

India skipper Rohit Sharma says he won't "overreact" after the embarrassing series defeat against New Zealand but he underlined the necessity to have a "quiet chat with certain individuals" to discuss the way forward. India lost the second Test by 113 runs after failing in pursuit of a stiff 359-run target. This was India's first home series defeat in 12 years after conceding a four-match rubber against England 1-2 in 2012-13.

How Can India Qualify For WTC Final After Series Loss vs New Zealand - Explained

The Indian cricket team slumped to a historic Test loss to New Zealand in Pune on Saturday that saw the side's 12-year winning streak at home end in spectacular fashion. Last time, India lost a Test series at home, MS Dhoni was still the captain while Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir were all playing. The loss in the second Test of the three-match series has dented India's chances of entering the World Test Championship final a lot.