India’s former cricketers fell into shocked silence within the quick aftermath of the unmitigated catastrophe in opposition to New Zealand right here on Sunday. However as soon as they’ve gathered their ideas, they pulled no punches whereas reviewing the crew’s debacle. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh referred to as for “introspection”, urged the crew administration to cease “pointless experimentation” within the Check format and begin taking part in on higher pitches. India confronted a humiliating 0-3 whitewash at residence for the primary time ever after struggling a 25-run defeat within the third Check in opposition to a New Zealand facet that arrived right here on the again of a 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka.
“Shedding 3-0 at house is a tricky capsule to swallow, and it requires introspection. Was it lack of preparation, was it poor shot choice, or was it lack of match follow?” Tendulkar posted on X.
Set a goal of 147 on a crumbling Wankhede pitch, India lasted simply 29.1 overs to be bowled out for 121, making it the bottom goal to be efficiently defended in opposition to them at residence.
Rishabh Pant (64), who struck fifties in each the innings, was the one batter to point out some combat, whereas Shubman Gill (90) was the top-scorer in India’s first innings.
“@ShubmanGill confirmed resilience within the first innings, and @RishabhPant17 was good in each innings — his footwork made a difficult floor appear to be a unique one altogether. He was merely very good,” Tendulkar famous.
Terming it a horrible present by Rohit Sharma’s crew, former India opener Sehwag wrote on Instagram: “Whereas as supporters it is crucial to assist the crew however this has been a horrible efficiency from our crew.
“The ability to play spin definitely wants an improve and sure experimentations are good for the shorter format however in Check cricket doing a little pointless experimentations only for the sake of it was certainly poor.
“Congratulations to Tom Latham and his @blackcapsnz boys on doing what’s a dream for each visiting crew and no different may conquer on this means.”
The crushing blow not solely toppled India from the highest of the World Check Championship standings but additionally uncovered extreme cracks of their batting in opposition to spin as New Zealand tweakers grabbed 37 out of 57 Indian wickets.
Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner with 13 wickets was the wrecker-in-chief within the second Check in Pune, and in his absence in Mumbai following a facet pressure, Ajaz Patel led the cost with a unprecedented 11-wicket match haul.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh mentioned on these sort of pitches “anybody can get anybody out” and groups do not want legends like Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, or Saqlain Mushtaq to take wickets.
“Turning pitches changing into ur personal enemy #INDvsNZTEST Congratulations NZ you outplayed us. Been saying from a few years. Crew India must play on higher pitches. These turning pitches making each batsman look very odd,” Harbhajan wrote on X.
“Earlier generations batsmen by no means performed on these sort of tracks. These tracks are ready for two/3 day Check matches. You do not want Murli, Warne or Saqi on these pitches to get the groups out. Anybody can get anybody out.” Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted the shortage of red-ball cricket for the senior India batters as one of many causes for the debacle.
“That is embarrassing show by crew India at residence. Lot to ponder over by the choice makers. Properly finished New Zealand on such a terrific efficiency.
“Had a strong dialog with @iamyusufpathan bhai yesterday. He made a legitimate level about home cricket – we’re both taking part in on grassy pitches or flat tracks, however hardly ever on turning surfaces anymore. Plus, high gamers aren’t taking part in home cricket. This might damage us in the long term.”
That is embarrassing show by crew India at residence. Lot to ponder over by the choice makers. Properly finished New Zealand on such a terrific efficiency.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 3, 2024
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar added, “And with that we come to the top of an extended part of rank turners in India.” Reactions additionally got here from abroad with former England captain Michael Vaughan saying the Indian batters now wrestle like most groups in opposition to spin.
“To win in India is unimaginable however to ship a clear sweep is exceptional… must be the best ever Check collection victory. India now have a gaggle of batters that wrestle like most groups in opposition to spin…,” Vaughan wrote.
Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop posted: “Superb from New Zealand. A inhabitants of lower than 6 million. No Kane Williamson. They’ve conquered an unenviable activity, and each males’s and girls’s groups have had an historic and proud few weeks.” The win was doubly particular for New Zealand who had landed on Indian shores after struggling a 0-2 whitewash in Sri Lanka.
“A as soon as in a lifetime sort of win for New Zealand! From being whitewashed in Sri Lanka to whitewashing India, simply WOW. What a turnaround by the Kiwis! A historic second in New Zealand cricket historical past!” former Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga wrote.
Former New Zealand left-arm pacer Mitchell McClenaghan wrote: “Arguably @BLACKCAPS finest win of all time. Unbelievable.” “Nice collection win for New Zealand, unimaginable efficiency! India will go to Australia with a large level to show!” identified former coach Mickey Arthur.
Matters talked about on this article