Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Former Indian cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar, Sanjay Manjrekar, and Dodda Ganesh took to social media platform X to express their views following India’s unexpected and disheartening loss in the Test series against New Zealand on home soil.
The defeat, which left the Indian cricket community and fans stunned, showcased New Zealand’s well-rounded, dominant performance over two consecutive Tests, ultimately securing them a 2-0 series victory.
Tendulkar celebrated the Black Caps’ achievement, while Manjrekar praised their all-around brilliance. Dodda Ganesh, however, urged selectors to take a closer look at the performance of some senior players, seemingly calling for change.
India’s loss came as a surprise to many, especially given their long-standing dominance in home Test series. The first Test in Bengaluru set the tone for the series, but not in the way Indian fans had hoped.
New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack proved too much for the Indian side, which collapsed to a shocking 46 runs in their first innings—a rare sight in modern Indian cricket.
This low score quickly became the focal point of discussions, as India struggled to regain their footing throughout the match. Although they managed a better performance in the second innings, scoring 462 runs, the visitors required only 107 to secure victory.
New Zealand chased down the modest target with eight wickets to spare, taking the first Test with surprising ease and leaving India with much to reflect on.
After the match, Sachin Tendulkar voiced his admiration for New Zealand’s stunning win on X, recognizing the rarity of such a performance by a visiting team on Indian soil.
“For any visiting team, to win a Test series in India is a dream, and New Zealand have played really well to make it happen,” Tendulkar shared, acknowledging the incredible feat. He continued, “Such results can only be achieved with good, all-round team efforts.”
Tendulkar’s comments reflected his respect for the visiting side’s ability to adapt and perform under the challenging conditions of Indian pitches.
The second Test, held in Pune, saw New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner rise to the occasion with a career-defining performance. Santner delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, capturing a total of 13 wickets in the match, dismantling India’s batting lineup and leading New Zealand to a 113-run victory. His efforts earned him the Player of the Match title, cementing his place as a key figure in New Zealand’s Test squad.
Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest players, made a point to praise Santner’s contribution specifically. “Special mention to Santner for his standout performance, picking up 13 wickets,” Tendulkar noted, recognizing how the spinner’s success made the crucial difference in the series. Tendulkar also added, “Congratulations to New Zealand on this phenomenal achievement!”—a sentiment that highlighted the monumental nature of New Zealand’s victory on Indian soil.
While Tendulkar praised New Zealand’s skill and determination, Dodda Ganesh struck a different tone in his reaction. Ganesh’s message carried an undertone of disapproval toward India’s recent performances, indirectly calling out the selectors and hinting at a need for change within the team lineup.
Pointing to the fact that both Pakistan and New Zealand had recently achieved impressive wins without their star players Babar Azam and Kane Williamson, Ganesh subtly suggested that India, too, could consider a refresh, possibly looking beyond stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
“Pakistan winning without Babar Azam and NZ winning without Kane Williamson. Hmm. Is there a message for the Indian selectors? #INDvNZ,” Ganesh wrote on X.
His comment sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the potential need for changes within India’s Test squad. Some fans interpreted Ganesh’s remarks as a call for a new generation of players who can bring a different dynamic to the team, while others saw it as a criticism of India’s over-reliance on senior players, particularly in crucial series.
Adding to the chorus of reactions, Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his admiration for New Zealand’s comprehensive performance. Manjrekar noted how New Zealand effectively utilized both seam and spin bowling to outclass India in different conditions across the two Tests.
“One can pick many faults in India’s performance this series, but the biggest story is New Zealand!” Manjrekar observed, emphasizing that the series highlighted New Zealand’s strengths rather than merely exposing India’s weaknesses.
He continued, “As to how great they have been. Destroyed India in Bangalore with seam & with spin in Pune. That’s just sensational!”
Manjrekar’s statement acknowledged New Zealand’s adaptability and strategic approach, which enabled them to succeed where many other visiting teams have faltered.