IND vs NZ: Wankhede Pitch Controversy Puts Gambhir, Rohit in Spotlight
The result of the Mumbai Test resulted in Team India losing the match by 25 runs, and thus New Zealand won the three-match Test series 3-0. Chasing a moderate target of 147, the Indian batting line-up broke and crumbled before the highly skilled spin attack of New Zealand. Much debate over the turning Wankhede pitch has been in the air. Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble was very vocal against his criticism of head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma for their approach.
IND vs NZ: Kumble Criticizes Gambhir & Rohit Over Wankhede Pitch
Don't blame the batsmen. You provide a turning pitch and expect them to chase 150 runs in the fourth innings. Questions should be asked of the captain and coach about why they provided such a tough pitch, knowing the batsmen aren't in form. His words reveal the problem with India's performance on spin-friendly tracks.
"Don't blame the batters, you give a rank turner and expect them to chase 150 in the 4th innings, captain and coach should be asked why they gave rank turner when you know your batters are out of form"
— M. (@IconicKohIi) November 3, 2024
- Anil Kumble cooking Gambhir and Rohit 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/FJaECT2ROp
In the second innings, India could manage a total of only 121 runs, where all other batsmen could not resist the New Zealand spinners, but Rishabh Pant presented an excellent performance, scoring 64 runs for himself and was seen to be a different player from those who failed in crucial spots, including key players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rohit made 18 runs in the first innings and 11 in the second. Kohli scored 4 runs, and just 1 run across two innings. Sarfaraz Khan made nothing in the first inning and got bowled on just 1 run in the second innings.
🚨 HISTORY CREATED BY KIWIS. 🚨
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 3, 2024
- New Zealand becomes the first team to whitewash India in a 3 or more match Test series in India. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6HmGIPqtJ5
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Sets 3 Embarrassing Records in 4 Months; Rohit Partnership Flops
This performance has made people question India's strategy and preparation on turning pitches. With batting failures and strategic blunders, the inability of Team India to hold themselves together on home turf became a major talking point about the need for adjustment into the future series. Fans hope to see better planning and grit in the upcoming matches, alongside former players.
