Team India suffered a humiliating 0-3 series whitewash at home against New Zealand following their 25-run defeat against visitors in the final match at the Wankhede stadium on November 3. The Kiwi spin attack proved too much for the Indian batting lineup, which crumbled under pressure. Captain Rohit Sharma's performance was particularly disappointing, as he struggled against the New Zealand bowlers. His meager tally of 94 runs in three matches highlighted his poor form. The Indian team now faces a daunting task of defeating Australia 4-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
I haven’t lost faith in my defence: Rohit Sharma
In the third Test, India needed Rohit Sharma to play with a more cautious approach in the second innings. However, he opted for an aggressive shot and was dismissed. After the match, Rohit acknowledged his mistake during the post-match press conference.Rohit took full responsibility for his performance and admitted that he still has much to learn as the game of cricket continues to evolve.
“I haven’t lost faith in my defence. I didn’t bat well in these two series, but as you grow, you evolve as a batter. I’m trying to do that. I will relook at my game,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference following India's series sweep against New Zealand
India fell short in their pursuit of a modest 147 runs to win the Mumbai Test match. Despite needing just a small target, the Indian batting lineup faltered, losing the match by 25 runs. Captain Rohit Sharma's early dismissal triggered a collapse, with key players like Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill contributing little to the chase. Rishabh Pant's half-century provided some hope, but his departure marked the end of India's resistance. With this defeat, India lost both the match and the series.
The 0-3 series defeat at home, is the first time India have lost a Test series with more than two matches in their cricketing history. This defeat ended an impressive 18-match unbeaten Test series streak that began in 2013. The visiting New Zealand team, without their star player Kane Williamson, defied expectations and outplayed India in their own backyard.
Rohit took full responsibility of the series defeat and said that this will be a very low point of his cricketing career.
"Something like this will be a very low point in my career, having lost three games at home. And I fully take responsibility of that. As a captain and as a leader as well, I have not been at the best of my abilities right from the start of the series. And with the bat, I have not been good enough," Rohit said after the match.
