India suffer first home Test series defeat in over a decade

India v New Zealand, 2nd Test, Scorecard

After an eight-wicket loss in the first Test in Bengaluru, India slipped further with a massive 113-run defeat in Pune, succumbing to their first-ever loss at home since November 2012, when they lost to England 2-1.

This is also New Zealand's first Test series win in India.

The win means New Zealand have climbed to No.4 on the ICC World Test Championship 2025 table. India retain the top spot, but a drop in their points percentage means there is not a lot to separate them from Australia, who are at No.2 on the standings.

ICC World Test Championship 2025 Standings

Mitchell Santner was the architect of New Zealand's win, accounting for 13 wickets in the match as India struggled to bat on a spin-friendly track.

Batting first, New Zealand put up 259, led by Devon Conway's 76 and Rachin Ravindra's 65. It was a good start for India as Washington Sundar, brought into the XI for the Test, picked up 7/59, backed up by Ravichandran Ashwin's 3/64.

However, India could not capitalise on their bowling momentum and had a disappointing turn with the bat, getting bowled out for just 156. Santner was New Zealand's response to Sundar as the left-arm spinner claimed 7/53.

The Black Caps followed their 259 with a 255 in their second innings, adding to an already impressive 103-run lead. This time, captain Tom Latham led from the front with a calculated 86 and useful contributions from Tom Blundell (41) and Glenn Phillips (48) helped the visitors push their lead past 350.

With over two and a half days of play still left, it was not going to be an easy chase for India on a pitch increasingly aiding spin.

New Zealand took advantage of the mounting pressure. Rohit Sharma was dismissed early when an inside edge lobbed off to short leg. Yashasvi Jaiswal decided to counter-attack and entertained with a quick-fire knock.

Shubman Gill supported from the other end, forming a half-century stand for the second wicket but Santner's spin proved to be too much of a challenge for the Indian batters.

India were eventually bowled out for 245, losing the Test by 113 runs.

Santner was the Player of the Match for his figures of 13/157.

The third and final Test of the series will be played in Mumbai from 1 to 5 November and will offer India a chance to better their World Test Championship points before heading to Australia for the all-important five-match Test series.

India's loss has also levelled the playing field with multiple teams like Sri Lanka, South Africa and New Zealand (besides Australia) now having a good chance of making it to the WTC25 Final next year.