Hosts seek redemption as New Zealand eye historic clean sweep
MUMBAI: Are we on the brink of the biggest upset of the 21st century? In a year when Test cricket has ripped apart the formbook, can New Zealand do the unthinkable? After Bangladesh’s stunning 2-0 victory over Pakistan on their home turf, England’s home losses to Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the Kiwis — fresh off a heavy defeat in Sri Lanka — have secured their maiden series win in India and now stand on the verge of an unprecedented 3-0 whitewash over India, one of the toughest Test teams to beat on home soil.
Only a month ago, New Zealand left Galle bruised after a brutal series loss to Sri Lanka, where they were bowled out for 88 & 360 as Sri Lanka amassed a massive 602 for five declared. Now, with the third Test against India starting today, one wonders: will Wankhede Stadium witness New Zealand’s own “Gabba moment,” akin to India’s famous triumph over Australia at Brisbane in Jan 2021?
Scorecard: India vs New Zealand, 3rd Test
This time, the tables have turned. Despite missing their captain Kane Williamson and senior pacer Trent Boult, the Kiwis have already stunned a seasoned Team India in back-to-back Tests — on a seaming pitch in Bengaluru and a turner in Pune. Can they clinch one more victory at a venue where India hasn’t lost since Nov 2012?
For India, it’s more than pride on the line. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, part of India’s last loss at Wankhede to England in 2012, will be cautious, especially given the left-arm spin threat of Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, who have proven themselves highly dangerous on turning tracks. India desperately needs a win here, not only to salvage pride but also to stay in contention for the World Test Championship final and to reaffirm their dominance on spinning pitches that have been their strength since that 2012 series.
This match could also be a pivotal moment for India’s senior players. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja have all been stalwarts, but another loss might bring additional scrutiny as they enter the twilight of their careers. Both Sharma and Kohli have struggled this series, with Kohli notably dismissed by a Santner full toss in Pune, while Ashwin and Jadeja’s spin prowess has been overshadowed by their Kiwi counterparts.
New Zealand, bolstered by their balanced spin and seam attack and standout performances from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, deserves credit for staging a remarkable turnaround. The question remains: Can India rise to the occasion at Wankhede, or are we about to witness an upset for the ages?
