India vs New Zealand: Is the home Test series loss end of an era?

Don't mourn the end; celebrate the journey. One of the greatest eras in our sport has concluded, spanning three captaincies (four if you include Ajinkya Rahane) and three coaching tenures (four if we count Ravi Shastri's two separate stints). This remarkable period has weathered transitions in both batting and fast bowling. It’s so extensive that the current coach was still a player the last time India lost a Test series on home soil. In the intervening years, he made a Test comeback, won an IPL title, served as a Member of Parliament, mentored two IPL teams, clinched another IPL championship as a mentor, and has now returned to guide the Indian team.

During this era, India not only excelled at home but also established a formidable reputation abroad. Winning a Test series in India became a more daunting task than clinching a World Cup or a World Test Championship. The international cricket landscape simply couldn't match the depth of the teams India faced at home. Opponents could occasionally outscore India’s top order, but they struggled against the all-rounders and two of the greatest spin bowlers of all time. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, in their prime, could turn matches around, making even the smallest risk feel monumental, especially when bowling with 6-3 or 7-2 fields. This legacy will be remembered for its exceptional achievements and challenges.

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On the final day of this remarkable streak, the two all-rounders, Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, took one last stand, combining for 12.3 calm overs before triggering a dramatic collapse of 5-for-24 with the ball. This brief partnership gave us a moment to reflect on the incredible memories created during this era. However, it’s impossible to overlook that the last nail was driven in during a Test where Ashwin and Jadeja were outperformed by two spinners who had just two first-class five-wicket hauls between them.

While it's premature to declare the end of this golden age, it's clear that these players may not improve significantly from here. Next year, this same group will likely begin as favorites at home once more and could achieve victory again, but transitions are unavoidable. Virat Kohli has averaged just 32 over the last five years and will be 36 before traveling to Australia. He might still enjoy a resurgence, but a fresh start seems unlikely. The same applies to Rohit Sharma, Ashwin, and Jadeja, as they navigate the final chapters of their illustrious careers. The future will bring new challenges, but their legacy will endure.

The signs of decline have been evident. Pune marked India’s fifth Test defeat at home since 2021, a stark contrast to just one loss in the previous seven years. The reliance on all-rounders for rescue acts has increased, with Ravindra Jadeja frequently sidelined due to injuries and Ashwin's lengths becoming less precise over time. This series defeat felt like an inevitable freight train gaining momentum at an unexpected moment.

In Bengaluru, the weather shifted favorably for the opposition. New Zealand lost a crucial toss to begin with and then won one that mattered. It didn't even require two outstanding spinners working in tandem, once deemed essential to beat India on home soil. The last home defeat came at the hands of Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar, supported by James Anderson's reverse swing. While Panesar could be temperamental, he delivered when it mattered. In this instance, New Zealand arrived following a 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka, having skipped warm-up matches. We thought we knew the limits of Mitchell Santner, but he and his team delivered a shock reminiscent of The Undertaker losing his WrestleMania streak to a part-timer, highlighting the unpredictability of cricket.

In a way, this result could benefit the new generation of spinners and batters who will represent India in the coming years, freeing them from the pressure of an ongoing streak. However, both the administration and players must recognize the commitment that built this successful era. Ashwin, despite not being the fittest, never missed a home Test, while Jadeja began to miss games only after 2020. Kuldeep Yadav, who should emerge as a key spinner, has not addressed his persistent groin issue, reflecting a complacency on both his and the administration’s part.

Transitions are challenging, and selectors Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar face the daunting task of integrating new talent while ensuring they learn from seasoned stalwarts. With Australia set to visit for a five-Test series in January 2027, developing a formidable team will be crucial. Skill isn't lacking in India, but attributes like game awareness, body management, and the ability to navigate tough situations need nurturing. With India captain Rohit Sharma at the top of the helm, he needs to turn the tables alongwith the rest of the members of the Indian playing 11 as they definitely need to win four out of the remaining six Test matches (1 against New Zealand and 5 in Australia) in order to qualify for the World Test Championship final 2025.