India’s Dominance at Home Under Threat in Kiwi Test Series

The pitch in Pune, tailored for spin, seems a response to the seaming conditions in Bengaluru—and it's backfired.

In Bengaluru, India were bowled out for 46 by pace under cloudy skies. In Pune, they folded for 156 on a dry, turning pitch in clear conditions. After two dramatic collapses in contrasting settings, India is on the brink of losing a home Test series for the first time since December 2012, when Alastair Cook's England prevailed. This could mark the end of a celebrated era.

Unexpectedly, New Zealand's Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips, not known for their Test spin skills, outperformed India’s spinners Ashwin, Jadeja, and Sundar. New Zealand also outbatted India in Pune.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate downplayed the idea that India’s spin-friendly pitch was a “desperate measure,” yet it appears to be an overreaction to their struggles in Bengaluru. India tried to negate New Zealand’s pacers, trusting their batters to handle spin, but the pitch’s unpredictable bounce and turn made batting a gamble. Shubman Gill was lbw to a straight ball shortly after a sharp turner missed his edge, while Rishabh Pant was bowled by a ball that kept low.

India may question whether they could have disrupted Santner and Phillips by playing more sweep shots, a technique visiting teams often use in subcontinental conditions. New Zealand showcased this on the first day, with Devon Conway defying field placements to sweep successfully. Across both innings, New Zealand scored 87 runs off 67 deliveries using sweeps, at the cost of only two wickets.

India had more incentive to break the bowlers’ rhythm, as the ball’s behavior became unpredictable. However, they only attempted 17 sweeps for 24 runs, losing Virat Kohli’s wicket. Stuck in the crease, Indian batters allowed Santner and company to target good-length spots that dried out the surface further.

India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, admitted New Zealand’s aggressive strategy disrupted their plans. "New Zealand adapted remarkably, blocking out the conditions and playing the game well," he noted. Their sweeping and reverse-sweeping kept India's bowlers under constant pressure.

Mitchell Santner mentioned that New Zealand had decided to take calculated risks to unsettle India’s spinners. “In these conditions, India has stifled many teams,” Santner said. “It was satisfying to see our batters go after their spinners with sweeps and shot-making, knowing that aggressive play can disrupt their lengths.”

Friday’s collapse will prompt serious reflection for India—both in their batting approach and their bowling plans. Yet, such trials are natural for any team over time.

Sanjay Manjrekar reflected on the cycle of change, pointing to key players no longer at their peak. “In 2011, India saw similar setbacks with senior players struggling. Now we have a solid transition, but when tough questions arise, experienced players need to lead. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli haven't contributed significantly here, and it’s showing.”

From 2012 to 2024, India were a fortress at home, constantly finding ways to outlast opponents. The crowd in Pune was in high spirits, especially as Kohli came out to bat with AR Rahman’s “Muqabala” playing. Yet, this match felt different, with India’s unprecedented home streak on the verge of breaking—possibly within the next two days or maybe even less...