The ongoing Test series between India and New Zealand in 2024 has been a significant turning point for Indian cricket, marking the first home series defeat for India since 2012. Central to this unexpected outcome was the Indian batting lineup’s inability to cope with the left-arm spin of New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips.
This article delves into the reasons behind this failure, drawing insights from expert analyses and match performances.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli’s Performance At No. 3 In Test Cricket
6. Expert Opinions on Technical Failures
Experts have weighed in on the technical aspects of India’s batting failures. Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized that players like Shubman Gill need to develop better techniques against spin if they are to succeed at higher levels. The need for adaptability in batting styles was evident as New Zealand’s bowlers consistently outsmarted their Indian counterparts.
5. New Zealand’s Tactical Discipline
New Zealand’s success can be attributed not only to individual brilliance but also to their collective tactical discipline. Santner and Phillips bowled with precision, maintaining tight lines and lengths that forced Indian batters into making mistakes. Their ability to exploit the conditions effectively showcased a stark contrast to India’s approach, which lacked focus and consistency.
4. Strategic Missteps
India’s strategic decisions during the matches also came under scrutiny. In both Tests, they lost crucial tosses that placed them at a disadvantage from the outset. The Pune pitch favored spin bowling as it dried out quickly, yet India’s batters failed to adapt their game plans accordingly. Instead of employing a more cautious approach against Santner and Phillips, they often chose aggressive shots that led to their downfall.
3. Ineffective Batting Techniques
The batting techniques employed by Indian players were notably ineffective against spin bowling. Shubman Gill’s struggles were particularly highlighted, with commentators noting that he lacked the necessary feel for playing spinners effectively. The Indian batters often failed to rotate the strike or apply pressure on the bowlers, resulting in clusters of wickets falling at critical moments. This was evident when India collapsed to 156 all-out in Pune, succumbing to Santner’s relentless pressure.
2. Overconfidence and Lack of Preparation
Former cricketer Basit Ali pointed out that India’s overconfidence played a crucial role in their downfall. Following a convincing series win against Bangladesh and New Zealand’s poor performance against Sri Lanka, it appears that the Indian team underestimated their opponents. This complacency led to a lack of adequate preparation for facing New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, particularly their spinners who capitalized on India’s relaxed approach.
1. Historical Weakness Against Left-Arm Spin
One of the most glaring issues highlighted during the series is India’s long-standing vulnerability against left-arm spinners. Since 2020, Indian batters, including stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have consistently struggled against this type of bowling. Rohit has been dismissed by left-arm spinners 11 times in this period, while Kohli has fallen victim nine times. This trend continued in the recent series, where Santner’s exceptional performance—taking 13 wickets across two Tests—exposed these weaknesses further.
Conclusion
The 2024 Test series against New Zealand serves as a wake-up call for Indian cricket. The combination of historical weaknesses against left-arm spin, overconfidence, ineffective techniques, poor strategic decisions, and New Zealand’s disciplined approach culminated in a historic defeat for India on home soil. Moving forward, Indian batters must address these issues through focused training and strategic planning if they wish to regain their dominance in international cricket.
This series has not only exposed vulnerabilities but also provided an opportunity for introspection and growth within the Indian team as they prepare for future challenges on both home and international fronts.
ALSO READ: Everything You Need To Know About WTC Final 2025