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New Delhi: As New Zealand approached the three-match Test series against India, few anticipated that they would outshine the hosts on their home turf. Coming off a disappointing 2-0 defeat in a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and facing an abandoned one-off Test against Afghanistan in India, the Kiwis entered the series with less-than-ideal preparation. Yet, true to their reputation for maximizing resources and consistently overachieving, the Black Caps accomplished the remarkable feat of becoming the first visiting team in 12 years to win a Test series against India.
New Zealand has long been India’s Achilles’ heel, having previously dealt a significant blow by defeating India in Southampton to clinch the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021. Now, just three years later, the Kiwis have once again stunned Rohit Sharma and his team on home soil, asserting their dominance in the Test arena.
It’s no surprise that Tim Southee, who relinquished the Test captaincy just before the series against India, considers the series victory to be on par with their triumph in the World Test Championship final.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Tim Southee reflected, “Yeah, there have been plenty of good times and a few tough times. I guess the tough times, especially coming to this part of the world, make this victory a little bit sweeter.”
“I think you look back and it’s hard to go past the World Test Championship and winning the World Test Championship. But this is right up there, if not equal to that. I think it’s hard to go past those two. It’s certainly been a highlight of my career so far,” he added.
Tim Southee expressed that it feels incredibly significant to end India’s impressive home record that has lasted for 12 years. “Yeah, I think anytime you come to this part of the world, and I’ve been a few times, it’s a very tough place to come to. So to, I guess, reflect on and having the extra couple of days to be able to reflect on the last couple of weeks has been pretty special. It’s also hard because we know we’ve still got a job to do in the next week or so to really make it a great few weeks,” said Southee.
“So, more reflecting on what we’ve done after the series. But don’t get me wrong; it’s not lost on the guys at how special this achievement is. There’s been plenty of great New Zealand sides that have been here over the years that haven’t been able to do it. There have been plenty of great sides from around the world that haven’t been able to come here and achieve what we’ve done in the last couple of weeks.
“So, yeah, certainly not lost on anyone about how tough a challenge it is to come here and how special the last couple of weeks have been,” he added.
In the first Test in Bengaluru, New Zealand dismissed India for a mere 46 runs in their first innings after the hosts chose to bat first amid overcast conditions. While India attempted to mount a comeback, the Kiwis ultimately secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
In the Pune Test, Mitchell Santner delivered a stunning performance, claiming 13 wickets and leaving India in disarray. New Zealand ultimately triumphed by 113 runs, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
The two teams will now face off in the third and final Test in Mumbai, starting November 1.
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