Online Desk  :   India’s formidable home Test record was broken after New Zealand secured a 2-0 series win, marking India’s first home series defeat since 2012.  New Zealand sealed the victory with a 113-run win in Pune, following an earlier eight-wicket triumph in Bengaluru. India’s struggles began in the first Test, where they were bowled out for just 46 in the opening innings, a blow that set the tone for the series.

New Zealand capitalized with a century from Rachin Ravindra and late fireworks from Tim Southee, which allowed the visitors to set an unassailable lead.  Although Sarfaraz Khan scored his maiden Test century and Rishabh Pant added a quick 99, India managed only a modest target of 107, which New Zealand chased with ease.

In Pune, India faced similar challenges. Bowled out for 156 in the first innings, they handed New Zealand a solid 103-run lead. New Zealand captain Tom Latham’s composed 86 further solidified New Zealand’s position, allowing them to set India a challenging 359-run target. Although India started strong with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brisk knock, they ultimately fell short, conceding their first home Test series loss in over a decade. This defeat ends India’s impressive streak of 18 consecutive home Test series wins, a run that began in 2013 with a whitewash of Australia.