India suffer first home Test series defeat in over decade

Monday, 28 October 2024 02:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

After an eight-wicket loss in the first Test in Bengaluru, India slipped further with a massive 113-run defeat in Pune, succumbing to their first-ever loss at home since November 2012, when they lost to England 2-1.

This is also New Zealand’s first Test series win in India.

The win means New Zealand have climbed to No. 4 on the ICC World Test Championship 2025 table. India retain the top spot, but a drop in their points percentage means there is not a lot to separate them from Australia, who are at No.2 on the standings.

Mitchell Santner was the architect of New Zealand’s win, accounting for 13 wickets in the match as India struggled to bat on a spin-friendly track. Santner was the Player of the Match for his figures of 13/157.

The third and final Test of the series will be played in Mumbai from 1 to 5 November and will offer India a chance to better their World Test Championship points before heading to Australia for the all-important five-match Test series.

India’s loss has also levelled the playing field with multiple teams like Sri Lanka, South Africa, and New Zealand (besides Australia) now having a good chance of making it to the WTC25 Final next year.