Shaking Foundations: India's Unforeseen Home Defeat Against New Zealand

India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, has shockingly succumbed to a three Test defeat at home against the touring New Zealand, despite entering the series on home soil with considerable confidence. This unexpected defeat marks a dent in their formerly robust invincibility, tracing back to their loss of two home Tests in the past two years, an eventuality that occurred only twice in the preceding decade.

This unfolding reality might signal shifts in power and the near emergence of a new generation of cricketers in India. After completing the home leg in the third edition of the World Test Championship (WTC), India records a mix of six wins and four defeats and are uncertain about securing a spot for the third consecutive final.

There is a lot of introspection needed about the intricacies of India's game plan, particularly in home matches, following this stunning upturn. One crucial focus is on result-oriented pitches; a common strategy to obtain maximum points from home games in the WTC. The inception of WTC has marked a definitive decrease in match draws, with seizing home advantage being a significant motivator.

In the first cycle of WTC (2019-21), India showcased more seam-friendly pitches. But the advent of Covid led them towards turners when against England in 2021, a decision made to ensure their place in the finals. This strategy seemed to stick with every needed win, despite the potential for it backfiring on the home team. However, after New Zealand's narrow escape in Kanpur in 2021, India prepared a turning pitch for the following Test in Wankhede, which saw spinners claim 33 out of 36 wickets.