In a cricketing saga that will be etched in history, New Zealand delivered a stunning blow to India, achieving a shocking 3-0 series sweep on Indian soil.

The final test in Mumbai saw the visitors clinch victory by a nail-biting margin of 25 runs, marking a monumental upset for the hosts who had hoped to salvage some pride after already experiencing demoralizing defeats in Bengaluru and Pune.

An Unprecedented Series Loss for India

This series loss is unprecedented for India; it is not only their first instance of losing all three matches of a home series, but it also stands as only the second time in their impressive 90-year cricketing legacy that they have been entirely whitewashed in a series.

The Stars Dim: Rohit and Kohli Struggle to Shine

At the heart of India's downfall were two of their biggest stars, captain Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli, both of whom failed to deliver when it mattered most.

After suffering a humiliating first innings collapse to 46 runs in the opening Test, Rohit, amidst the initial laughter, dismissed it as an off day. However, weeks later, he faced the media with a heavy heart, admitting the disappointment of losing three home games was a severe downturn in his career.

"I take full responsibility as captain. I haven’t performed at my best from the start of the series," he confessed, having scored only 91 runs across six innings, with his top score a mere 52. Kohli, too, couldn't turn the tide in his favor, accumulating just 93 runs throughout the series, including a solitary 70 in one innings, leaving fans questioning their form ahead of the challenging tour to Australia.

Artificial Spin Fails to Trap New Zealand

Despite India's efforts to tilt the conditions to their advantage by preparing spinning tracks for the last two matches, their strategies fell flat.

While India’s spinners claimed all 20 wickets in Pune, it was the batters who betrayed their efforts, with paltry totals of 156 and 245 in respective innings.

Mitchell Santner emerged as the unlikely hero for the Kiwis, snagging 13 wickets, including the prized wicket of Kohli.

In the final outing, India crumbled once again, mustering scores of 263 and 121, unable to counter New Zealand's adept slower bowlers, who exploited the conditions better.

Kiwis with Indian Roots Triumph

Among the standout performers in New Zealand's historic triumph were Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel, both of whom share deep ties with the Indian subcontinent.

Ravindra, with a name inspired by cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, shone bright with an outstanding series total of 256 runs, averaging 51.20, and was pivotal in securing New Zealand's historic victory.

Meanwhile, Ajaz Patel, a Mumbai native who has always showcased his talents on his homeland soil, played a crucial role in dismantling the Indian batting lineup during the final Test, by claiming their last wicket.

Future Stars Ignite Hope Amidst Collapse

Despite the grim series result for India, there was a glimmer of hope for the future as young guns Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rishabh Pant exhibited promising talent, emerging among the series' top scorers.

Off-spinner Washington Sundar also stood out, adding 16 wickets and 89 runs to his name, creating optimism among the fans for the next generation of Indian cricket.

Tom Latham: A Captain's Glory Against the Odds

In stark contrast to Rohit Sharma's struggles, New Zealand captain Tom Latham has emerged victorious, achieving a historic test series win in India—a feat no previous New Zealand captain has accomplished.

Reassumed the captaincy after Tim Southee's departure, Latham led from the front, scoring 145 runs, including a game-changing 86 in Pune, leaving fans to wonder if a new era of New Zealand dominance has begun.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles on this shocking series, both teams face the next chapter with plenty to reflect on, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate what lies ahead!