Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (Photo by Idrees Mohammed/AFP via Getty Images)

The hosts are looking for redemption as New Zealand aim for a historic clean sheet
MUMBAI: Are we on the verge of the biggest surprise of the 21st century? In a year in which Test cricket has torn up the leaderboard, can New Zealand do the unthinkable? Following Bangladesh’s stunning 2-0 win over Pakistan at home and England’s home defeats against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the New Zealanders – fresh from a heavy defeat in Sri Lanka – secured their first series win in India and are now on the verge of an unprecedented one 3-0 win against India, one of the toughest Test teams to beat on home soil.
Just a month ago, New Zealand left Galle injured after a brutal series loss to Sri Lanka where they were bowled out for 88 and 360 while Sri Lanka scored a massive 602 for five declared points. Now, as the third Test against India begins today, one wonders: Will Wankhede Stadium Will you experience New Zealand’s own ‘Gabba moment’, similar to India’s famous triumph over Australia in Brisbane in January 2021?
Scorecard: India vs New Zealand, 3rd Test
This time the tables have turned. Despite missing their captain Kane Williamson and senior pacer Trent Boult, the Kiwis have already stunned an experienced Team India in successive Tests – on a top pitch in Bengaluru and a turner in Pune. Can they pull off another win at a venue where India hasn’t lost since November 2012?
For India, there is more than just pride at stake. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was involved in India’s last loss to England at Wankhede in 2012, will be cautious, especially given the threat of left-arm spin from Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, who have proven extremely dangerous on turning tracks. India desperately needs a win here, not just to save their pride but also to stay in the World Cup race World Test Championship finals and to reaffirm their dominance on spinning pitches, which have been their strength since that 2012 series.
This game could also be a defining moment for India’s experienced players. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have all been stalwarts, but another loss could draw even more attention as they reach the end of their careers. Both Sharma and Kohli have struggled in this series, with Kohli notably sent off by a Santner full toss in Pune, while Ashwin and Jadeja’s spin skills were overshadowed by their New Zealand counterparts.
New Zealand, strengthened by its balanced spin and seam attack and outstanding performances from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindradeserves credit for orchestrating a remarkable turnaround. The question remains: Can India rise to the challenge in Wankhede or are we in for a surprise for the ages?