New Zealand won the third and final test match against India with 25 runs, by successfully dismissing the host team for just 121 runs in Mumbai on Sunday. They made history in the cricket world with a brilliant win, making a historic 3-0 whitewash on Indian soil. It was India’s first Test series defeat at home after 2012.
For the first time India has been defeated in every match of a three-Test series at home, this incredible performance has captivated cricket legends throughout the world.
“It’s seriously special first of all to win a Test match here at this historic ground but also to win a series 3-0,” said Daryl Mitchell, who made 82 in the first innings. “It’s something you dream of. To come over here and actually achieve it is pretty special against a world‑class Indian team … we’re just a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world.”
The losing captain Rohit Sharma also admitted that his side did not play a good brand of cricket
“Losing a series, losing a Test match is never easy. It’s not easily digested. But we didn’t play our best cricket and we accepted that. New Zealand played better than us throughout. There were a lot of mistakes that we made, we accepted it … as a captain, I wasn’t at my best leading the team and with the bat as well.”
The former Indian player, Sachin Tendulkar, also reacted to this horrific defeat by the Indian team at home that too in the Test format of the game
Sachin Tendulkar said: “Losing 3-0 at home is a tough pill to swallow, and it calls for introspection. Was it lack of preparation, poor shot selection, or lack of match practice? Full credit to New Zealand for their consistent performance throughout the series. Winning 3-0 in India is as good a result as it can get.”
Michael Vaughan, former England captain, also admired the Black Caps victory: “To win in India is incredible, but to deliver a clean sweep is remarkable. This has to be the greatest ever Test series victory. India now have a group of batters that struggle like most teams against spin.”
The result seems depressing for Indian cricket followers and cricket journalists, Irfan Pathan, ex-India cricketer, expressed frustration: “This is an embarrassing display by Team India at home. A lot to ponder over by the decision-makers. Well done, New Zealand, on such a terrific performance.”
Harbhajan Singh, also expressed some of his experience on India’s performance: “Turning pitches becoming our own enemy. Congratulations, New Zealand; you outplayed us. I’ve been saying for years that Team India needs to play on better pitches. These turning pitches are making every batsman look very ordinary.”
Former batsman Yuvraj Singh also stated: “Cricket truly is a humbling sport, isn’t it? Just months after our T20 World Cup win, we face a historic whitewash. That’s the beauty of this game! Bigger tests lie ahead with the Australia series, and the way forward is to introspect, learn, and look up! Congratulations to the @BLACKCAPS on a well-rounded performance and a historic win.”
International players are also complimenting the historic win of New Zealand, former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop highlighted New Zealand’s flexibility: “Amazing from New Zealand. A population of less than 6 million. No Kane Williamson. They have conquered an unenviable task, and both men’s and women’s teams have had a historic and proud few weeks.”
