Following Rohit Sharma-led India's humiliating 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand, chief selector Ajit Agarkar was seen in a serious discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Abhishek Nayar. New Zealand's historic series win, achieved with a 25-run victory in the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium, has prompted serious introspection within the Indian cricket team, which has hit a new low now.
Gautam Gambhir's tenure as coach has been marred by a historic defeat for the Indian cricket team. India suffered a 3-0 whitewash at home, marking the first time a team has been clean-swept in a Test series of three or more matches on Indian soil. The defeat at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where India failed to chase down a target of 147 runs, further adds to the disappointment. This venue holds significance as it was the site of another historic moment: South Africa's successful chase of 164 runs in 2000, which marked the first time a team had swept India in a Test series on Indian soil.
The year 2000 marked a historic moment in cricket when Hansie Cronje's South African team achieved the extraordinary feat of a clean sweep over India on Indian soil. This achievement remained unmatched for nearly 25 years, until 2024, when Tom Latham's New Zealand side replicated this historic feat, defeating India 3-0.
A striking parallel emerges from these two iconic series. In 2000, the Indian team was led by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, a Mumbai icon. Fast forward 24 years, and another Mumbaikar, Rohit Sharma, captained the Indian team that suffered a similar fate.
Troika of Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar spotted having series discussion
The serious discussion between India's chief selector, head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Abhishek Nayar after team's embarrassing show will certainly prompt a comprehensive review of the series to address the team's weaknesses and chart a path forward.
Notably, India's recent 3-0 series defeat at home is the first time they has lost a Test series at home in 12 years and the first instance of being whitewashed in a home Test series.
