India was last seen in such a state of disrepair on its own soil two centuries ago. In 2000, India lost against South Africa. After 24 years, New Zealand gave them that old taste. The former Indian cricketers are unable to digest such shame in their own ground in the three-match series.
India would have escaped embarrassment if they had avoided the Mumbai Test defeat. For that, 147 runs were needed. But Rohit Sharma’s team was bowled out for 121 runs in 29.1 overs. After the defeat by 25 runs, a storm of criticism started on social media.
Sachin Tendulkar wrote on his official X handle, ’Losing 3-0 at home is really hard to digest. It must be carefully considered. Was there a lack of preparation, or poor shot selection or lack of match practice?’
Talking about the two young stars Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, Sachin also mentioned, ‘Shubman Gill played patiently in the first innings. Rishabh Pant was excellent in both innings. His footwork looks completely different on such a challenging wicket. He was really great.’
India wanted to overcome New Zealand with spin. But they have stepped into their own trap. After such a loss, Virender Sehwag wrote on his Instagram, ‘They should be supported as supporters. But it is a terrible performance of our team. Spin skills must be improved. Some experimentation is definitely needed in limited overs cricket. However, the result of unnecessary examination in the test is very bad.
One of India’s staunchest critics is former spinner Harbhajan Singh. This cricketer known as ‘Bhajji’ has just washed Rohit after such a blunder. “Gadda Khoda Toh Tha Lekin Gir Khud Gaye (We have fallen into our own hole),” Harbhajan told Asian News International (ANI).
India slipped to two points in the Test Championship after losing top spot after a home run. Their success rate is 58.33 percent. India has only a 5-match Test series against Australia left in the fight to reach the finals. Let’s see what happens.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Cricket Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, cricket analyst and former player, Rahul Verma, to discuss India’s recent performance against New Zealand. Rahul, thank you for joining us.
Rahul Verma: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic in Indian cricket.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. India’s defeat against New Zealand has sent shockwaves through the cricket community. What do you make of this loss, especially considering the historical context?
Rahul Verma: It certainly feels like a significant moment. To lose 3-0 at home, especially after such a long time, is not just disheartening; it feels almost unprecedented. Cricket fans remember the last time India had a similar struggle on home soil two centuries ago, and it underscores how crucial it is for the team to maintain their stronghold at home.
Editor: Right. The match in Mumbai finished with India bowled out for just 121 runs while chasing a target of 147. What do you think went wrong there?
Rahul Verma: Several factors contributed to that defeat. The batting lineup simply didn’t perform—29.1 overs to chase a moderate target is alarming. Rohit Sharma’s team needed to take more responsibility, but it looked like they were overwhelmed. Social media has reflected the fans’ sentiments, and rightly so—it’s a tough pill to swallow for true cricket lovers.
Editor: Sachin Tendulkar raised some points on social media, questioning if there was a lack of preparation or poor shot selection. Do you agree with this assessment?
Rahul Verma: Absolutely. Preparation is key, and while the players can play well occasionally, consistent performance demands thorough planning. Poor shot selection can be crippling, especially in challenging conditions where one must remain disciplined. Tendulkar’s emphasis on Shubman Gill’s patient performance and Rishabh Pant’s footwork highlights the kind of precision we need more of.
Editor: Speaking of young talent, what’s your take on how Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant fared during the series?
Rahul Verma: Gill and Pant have shown flashes of brilliance, even in tough circumstances. Gill’s patience in the first innings was commendable, and Pant displayed skillful footwork that could be a cornerstone for India moving forward. However, it’s crucial they mature quickly and learn from these experiences. They need to become the backbone of the team, especially during tough matches.
Editor: Virender Sehwag mentioned on social media that while it’s important to support the team through tough times, the performance was still terrible and suggested improvements in spin skills. What improvements can be made, considering the conditions India was facing?
Rahul Verma: Sehwag has touched on an important aspect of the game—spin bowling has been a hallmark of Indian cricket. The team must recalibrate their approach to spin; this series clearly shows they fell into a trap. Working on variations, improving fitness, and honing tactical acumen are vital. We must remember that the conditions can often be tricky, and adapting quickly is essential.
Editor: So, in your opinion, what’s the way forward for the Indian cricket team?
Rahul Verma: A period of reflection is necessary, where the team can assess strategies, techniques, and mental approaches. The support system for the players has to be robust, and they need the freedom to experiment without fear of harsh criticism. It’s about creating a balance—ensuring star players like Rohit Sharma lead while also nurturing young talent like Gill and Pant with constructive feedback.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense, Rahul. This series was undoubtedly tough for Indian cricket, but your insights give us hope for the future. Thank you so much for your time!
Rahul Verma: Thank you! Let’s hope for the best as we move forward, and I’m sure the fans will continue to support this great sport.