This crushing defeat is a major wake-up call for Team India. They now face the real possibility of losing a home series for the first time in over a decade, warns Harish Kotian.
India were in danger of suffering their first home test loss to New Zealand since 1988, despite Sarfaraz Khan's 150 and Rishabh Pant's 99, when the tourists bowled them out for 462 on the fourth day of their rain-interrupted series opener on Saturday.
India skipper Rohit Sharma admitted he was 'hurting' after his team crashed to its lowest-ever total of 46 at home
The first day's play of the first Test between India and New Zealand has been called off without a ball being bowled because of rain.
Karun Nair's struggles at the crucial No. 3 position is a big headache for Team India.
As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. But these are the variants that are reportedly driving the rise in Covid cases in China and parts of Asia.
The star batter's aggression has been a fire to forge inspiration and motivation, but it has also led to some unnecessary controversies in the red-ball format.
Rohit Sharma last went past the 50-run mark five months ago, when he made 52 against New Zealand during the Bengaluru Test in October.
Before his dismissal, Kohli showcased glimpses of his class, creaming Gus Atkinson for a delightful four through mid-on with a gorgeous on-drive in the 18th over.
'They know how to win, and they know they can beat Australia; they know they can beat the Kiwis.'
The 28-year-old cricketer's ODI runs came at an average of 57.86 and an impressive strike rate of 95.15.
Ravindra Jadeja starred with a 12-wicket haul for Saurashtra, but India's top stars, including Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, failed to impress in the Ranji Trophy.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for the second ODI against England on Sunday?
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a forecast predicting significant precipitation in the city throughout the week, casting a shadow over the series opener.
While the whole batting unit faltered, the spotlight fell firmly on seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, whose lean patches in recent times have become a matter of concern.
Rishabh Pant displayed remarkable courage and determination by returning to the crease on the fourth day of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand.
Ashwin's legacy, marked by his intellect and dominance on the field, will resonate for years to come.
A look at Virat Kohli's worst-ever showing in a Test series consisting of three matches or more.
Latham admitted he has given thought to how to utilise the spinners at their disposal. New Zealand have Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel among frontline tweakers and Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips also to roll over their arms.
India are aiming for a quick turnaround in the second Test, starting in Pune on Thursday.
Mayank Yadav should be on the plane to Australia if Mohammed Shami is not available for selection, asserted Brett Lee, one of the most destructive fast bowlers of all time, who has high hopes from the Indian pace sensation on the true, bouncy wickets Down Under.
India will look for the right balance as they aim for a series-levelling victory against a spunky New Zealand in the must-win second Test.
K L Rahul eases concerns surrounding his fitness ahead of the first Test against Australia, starting in Perth, by batting comfortably in the nets on Sunday.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for the first Test against Australia in Perth?
For India, the biggest disappointment was the poor showing of their senior most players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin.
K L Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran will open the batting for India if captain Rohit Sharma is not available for the first Test against Australia in Perth, said head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Rishabh Pant has "no injury concerns" and is set to keep wickets for India against New Zealand starting in Pune on Thursday, said head coach Gautam Gam
K L Rahul's indifferent form could throw Cheteshwar Pujara a lifeline for the tour of Australia, where he enjoys a great record.
Latham also reminded his team not to lose focus on the second Test amid the revelries after winning the first match, as India has the firepower in its ranks to hit back.
Only once in the history of Test cricket has a team bounced back to win after being bowled out for less than 50.
Since making his debut in 2017, the highly rated Kuldeep Yadav has featured in just 13 Tests in seven years.
New Zealand must adapt quickly, says Daryl Mitchell as spin-friendly surface beckons at Pune
Kohli, once dismissing bowlers with ease, now struggles to stay at the crease, while Rohit, a guide for younger players, finds himself confronting his own form.
Images from Day 3 of the second Test between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Saturday.
The prices of the tickets per day has been kept at Rs 1250 (Grand Terrace), Rs 750 (E-Executive), Rs 500 (D Corporate) and Rs 100 respectively.
After the 2nd and final Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, Kohli will be back in the city and at the Chinnaswamy Stadium donning RCB's red and gold, out to motivate his team to an elusive IPL crown.
Shreyas Iyer, who played his first Test under lights in the just-concluded series against Sri Lanka, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, had a different approach. His attacking style pay rich dividend in India's resounding victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test in Bengaluru.
Harish Kotian/Rediff.com explains why skipper Virat Kohli is backing his opening batsman to carry on the good form in the next two Tests of the series.
Ravichandran Ashwin will become only the 14th Indian player and 77th overall in world cricket to complete the milestone of 100 Test matches.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances