New Zealand has made history with a commanding 3-0 Test series sweep against India, marking the first time the Indian team has been whitewashed in a three-match series at home. The Kiwis’ spectacular display, led by Ajaz Patel’s spin masterclass, underscored the struggles of India’s batting stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as they faltered on home turf. The series didn’t just end with a whimper—it’s left Indian cricket with a sobering outlook on the state of its top-order veterans.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Failed to shine
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have long been the backbone of India’s batting line-up, fell drastically short of expectations. Sharma, usually reliable on dust-bowl pitches in India, managed just 133 runs across 10 innings this season, averaging a meagre 13.30 with a high of 52.
Kohli fared only slightly better, scoring 192 runs at an average of 21.33, with his highest being 70. Both players’ struggles come at a pivotal point, as their performances will likely shape the trajectory of their careers.
The significance of this decline is compounded as India prepares for an upcoming five-Test series in Australia. Both veterans, now in their mid-30s, face growing concerns about their future in Test cricket, especially after a series where India’s reliance on their experience resulted in disappointment.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stats vs New Zealand
Rohit: 6 innings, 91 runs, highest score 52, average 15.16.
Kohli: 6 innings, 93 runs, highest score 70, average 15.50.
Rohit Sharma: Dismissals underscore concerns
Rohit Sharma’s six innings in this series yielded just 91 runs with a paltry average of 15.16—the worst of his Test career in any series where he’s played at least three matches. Notably, he fell to pace four times out of six, with New Zealand pacers Tim Southee and Matt Henry dismissing him twice each.
Rohit Sharma’s tendency to play aggressive, risky shots further compounded India’s problems, and his dismissal in the final innings highlighted his inconsistency. “Rash,” “outrageous,” and “needless,” were words used by Ian Smith to describe Rohit’s attempted pickup shot over midwicket that led to his exit for just 11 runs.
This disappointing run has affected Rohit’s Test average, which has dropped to its lowest since he took up opening in October 2019, standing at 42.29.
Virat Kohli struggles against Spin: Long-Standing issue
Virat Kohli’s struggle against left-arm spin has been a recurring theme in recent years, and it resurfaced in this series. In his final innings, Virat Kohli fell to left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel after a delivery pitched around the leg stump sharply turned, taking an edge off his bat.
His dismissal at first slip, caught by Daryl Mitchell, is reflective of his recent vulnerabilities against left-arm spinners. Kohli’s poor form has also dragged down his Test average below 48 for the first time since 2016, currently sitting at 47.83.
Ajaz Patel spin masterclass in Mumbai
New Zealand’s dominance was spearheaded by Ajaz Patel, who had an outstanding series, making India’s preparation look insufficient. Patel, who took five wickets in the first innings, ensured that India didn’t capitalise on a substantial lead.
Despite India’s use of five left-arm spinners in practice, they found themselves unable to counter Patel’s skill, further underlining the absence of strong performances from senior players.
India’s stalwarts must rise or step aside
The lacklustre performances from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma serve as a wake-up call. Both players are entering a crucial phase in their careers, and the upcoming Test series in Australia may be a defining moment. With Kohli approaching 36 and Sharma already past it, their roles in the team’s future success are in question.
This series has made it evident that the Indian team, laden with stalwarts, fell short of the skill and adaptability displayed by New Zealand. If India is to remain competitive, Kohli and Sharma will need to either rediscover their form or make way for new talent that can perform under pressure on the global stage.
