IND vs NZ 3rd Test: India faced a historic 3-0 defeat at home against New Zealand in the Test series. The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a collapse of India’s top order, with New Zealand claiming victory by 25 runs in the third and final Test. This loss has sparked serious discussions among fans and experts alike, especially about the future of seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin. With this defeat, questions arise: Are India's cricket legends reaching the end of their Test journey?
Poor Performance in IND vs NZ 3rd Test Raises Concerns for Senior Players
In the IND vs NZ 3rd Test, India faltered in their chase of a modest 147 runs. The batting lineup struggled, crumbling to 29/5 before Rishabh Pant showed resilience with a few impressive strokes. Despite his efforts, Pant’s dismissal by Ajaz Patel was the final blow, and the remaining wickets fell quickly, ending India’s hopes of salvaging a win.
This clean sweep by New Zealand marks the first time any team has inflicted a 3-0 whitewash on India in a home Test series. The disheartening performance has cast doubts on the future roles of star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin in upcoming matches.
Rohit Sharma’s Form: A Cause for Worry?
Rohit Sharma’s recent form has been inconsistent. Against New Zealand, he could only manage 91 runs in three matches, averaging just 15.17. This year hasn’t been favorable for the Indian skipper, with an average of 29.40 across 11 Test matches. At 37, Rohit’s age and form are now major concerns, making fans wonder if it’s time for a leadership transition in the Test format.
Virat Kohli Struggles to Make Impact in Tests
Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with Indian cricket’s dominance, has also faced challenges this year. In three matches against New Zealand, he scored just 93 runs, with an average of 15.50. His overall performance in 2024 has been underwhelming, with an average of 22.72 across six Tests. As Kohli nears 36, the question lingers: Will he be able to bounce back, or is his illustrious Test career coming to a close?
R Ashwin’s Bowling Under Scrutiny
R Ashwin, India’s seasoned spinner, has been a stalwart in home conditions for years. Yet, his bowling lacked the usual bite against New Zealand, allowing the visiting batsmen to score more freely than expected. Ashwin’s nine wickets in the series came with an economy rate of 3.79, which raises questions about his effectiveness at age 38. With a heavy workload and fitness concerns, the road ahead looks uncertain for Ashwin in Test cricket.
What Lies Ahead for India’s Test Team?
India's next home Test series is scheduled for October 2025, where they will face the West Indies. Until then, team selectors and management have a crucial decision to make. Should India continue with seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin, or is it time to look towards the future? As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy draws near, the performance of these senior players will be watched closely.
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