IND vs NZ 3rd Test: India Register Most Ducks in Three-Match Test Series Against New Zealand

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IND vs NZ 3rd Test: India’s recent home Test series against New Zealand has turned out to be one for the record books after continued displays of poor batting in the third Test – albeit for an unwanted statistic.

The three-match series has seen the Indian batting order falter in unprecedented fashion, as they racked up a staggering 13 ducks – the highest number for India in any Test series of three or fewer matches. More embarrassingly, this record was set on home turf, adding an extra layer of introspection for the Indian team.

IND vs NZ 3rd Test: Most Ducks for India in a Test Series of Three or Fewer Matches

The previous highest number of ducks for India in such a series was 12, dating back to their disastrous tour of England in 1974, where their batting succumbed in challenging conditions. However, the recent series against New Zealand marked a rare instance where Indian batters struggled on home soil, a venue where they typically dominate.

IND vs NZ 3rd Test: How Did Indian Batters Fare Against Kiwis?

India faced a tough batting test across both innings in the first Test, struggling especially with contributions from key players. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah recorded ducks in the first innings, with Sharma and Kohli falling to New Zealand's pace and spin, respectively.

Bumrah, unable to add to the score, was dismissed LBW by Santner. Rishabh Pant’s second innings was no less challenging, as he fell short without scoring, facing just three deliveries before being run out.

In the second Test, India’s batting collapse reached a new low in their first innings, with four players – Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja – each scoring zero. Kohli and Sarfaraz, mainstays in India's lineup, fell to New Zealand’s incisive swing, with Kohli dismissed by O’Rourke after only nine balls.

Ashwin followed shortly after with a golden duck, with Henry’s pace too challenging. India's top and middle order were rattled, contributing to their low first innings score of 46 runs.

The batting woes for India continued in the second innings of the same Test. Despite strong resistance from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, India's tail was fragile, with both Bumrah and Siraj recording ducks. Bumrah edged a delivery from Henry into the keeper’s gloves, while Siraj lasted just two deliveries before becoming another victim of New Zealand’s pace.

The struggle continued in the third and final Test match, with Mohammad Siraj, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep all departing their crease in the first innings without scoring a run.