It’s possible that captain Rohit Sharma may carry a bitter memory of November 3, 2024. In a Test series with three or more games, his Indian cricket team became the first to lose all three games in a row at home. At the legendary Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where South Africa had years before successfully chased down 164 runs to become the first team to sweep India in a series on Indian soil after winning the second Test in Bengaluru, India lost as they faltered in their pursuit of a modest 147-run target.
The South African team led by Hansie Cronje made history in that pivotal series in 2000. They held this distinction for over 25 years until October 3, when Latham’s New Zealand team astonished everyone by repeating the feat and defeating India 3-0.
The irony is strong. The Mumbai-born Indian captain in 2000 was none other than Sachin Tendulkar, dubbed the “Master Blaster.” Another well-liked Mumbaikar, Rohit Sharma, was the one whose team suffered the same terrible home loss 24 years later.
On Day 3 of the 3rd Test at the Wankhede in Mumbai, New Zealand defeated the hosts by 25 runs, marking their first-ever Test series victory in India. After dismissing the Kiwis for just 171 runs in the second innings, India was unable to chase down a 147-run target on day three of the Test.
The top order was destroyed in the first seven overs as the Indian hitters struggled against the Kiwi spinners on a Mumbai track that was conducive to spin.
India has not lost a Test series at home since 2012, and this is the first time the country has ever suffered a 3-0 loss in a Test series at home.
India last suffered a landslide defeat at home in 2000 against South Africa. At the time, the Proteas had won 2-0, chasing down 164 in the second innings to win their first Test match at Wankhede.
Team India failed to make an impression at Wankhede, losing wickets to spinners under pressure after demanding a rank turner in Mumbai. India’s recent displays haven’t been as impressive compared to past performances, with the stats showing a clear decline over the years.
India’s chances of making it to the World Test Championship final were further hampered by Rohit Sharma’s inability to maintain their home Test domination.
Additionally, Rohit had trouble at bat and was unable to provide India a foundation upon which to build their series innings.
Despite having a win percentage of more than 50% as Test captain, he did not perform well in this series, as New Zealand continuously placed India under pressure at crucial times.
Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach and former cricket player for India, hasn’t had the ideal start to his coaching career with the national team. It would not have been the best start to be the coach who ended India’s long-standing winning streak in home Test matches. Gambhir will be looking forward to the final stretch of the World Test Championship, which includes a daunting 5-match Test series down under.
