IND vs NZ: How long Was India's Unbeaten Streak at Home? Where does it stand in Test History?

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IND vs NZ: India's unyielding Test dominance at home has finally come to a dramatic halt after 4331 days. Since 2012, India held an iron grip over visiting teams, but New Zealand's recent series victory has marked an end to this incredible streak.

New Zealand Winning the second Test by 113 runs at Pune, clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. This historic triumph has not only delivered New Zealand its first-ever Test series win in India but has also handed the Indian team its first home series defeat since England's tour in 2012.

Last Home Series Loss in Tests

In the Pune Test, India struggled to chase down a challenging target of 359, falling short with a second innings collapse. Despite a strong opening from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 77, the Indian middle order faltered under Santner’s relentless spin attack, leaving the hosts with only 245 on the board in their second innings.

The Last Home Series Loss: December 2012 Against England

The last time India experienced a home series defeat was in December 2012, when England beat them 2-1 in a four-match series. Back then, India was unable to counter England's robust lineup led by Alastair Cook and the spinning expertise of Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar. In that series, despite India winning the first Test, England's comeback was fierce, securing wins in Mumbai and Kolkata, and finally drawing the last Test to clinch the series.

Since then, the Indian team has held a 12-year unbeaten run, with a remarkable 18 consecutive home series victories, which remains the longest such streak by any team in Test cricket. This streak included series sweeps and historic wins, such as the 4-0 whitewash against Australia in 2013 and a 3-0 win over South Africa in 2015. During this span, India won 42 out of 53 matches, lost only four, and drew seven games, a testament to their once invincible stature on home soil.

18 Test series India played at home since their last series loss in 2012:

Mitchell Santner's outstanding performance was central to New Zealand's triumph. The spinner delivered back-to-back five-wicket hauls, dismantling the Indian batting order in both innings. India, despite a promising start with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive play, failed to chase the target of 359 runs, succumbing to a 113-run defeat. Santner’s 13-wicket match haul marked one of the best performances by a visiting bowler on Indian soil.

For over a decade, In stark contrast to the dominant form they showcased over the last decade, India’s batting and spin bowling lineup looked unusually vulnerable. Ashwin and Jadeja, typically formidable in home conditions, struggled to exert their usual control. Washington Sundar’s spirited seven-wicket haul in the first innings provided some hope, but it was not enough to overcome New Zealand’s calculated approach. The Kiwi batsmen frequently resorted to sweeps and reverse sweeps, disrupting India's bowling rhythm and setting a challenging foundation for the home team.

New Zealand's win not only marks their first-ever Test series victory in India but also highlights a new era under the leadership of Tom Latham. The Kiwi captain, along with Glenn Phillips and Santner, led an inexperienced squad to achieve what previous touring sides—including Australia and South Africa—had failed to do. For India, this series defeat has come as a wake-up call, underscoring the need to address a faltering middle order and aging bowling lineup as they transition into a new phase.