Rohit Sharma Joins Pataudi's 'Unwanted' List as India Endures First Home Whitewash in 55 Years Against New Zealand

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In a dramatic turn of events, India endured a 26-run defeat against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium, marking a 0-3 whitewash that stung both players and fans alike.

This result not only made New Zealand the first team to sweep India on home soil in a Test series of three or more matches but also put Rohit Sharma in the company of the legendary MAK Pataudi on an “unwanted” list.

India's Shocking Series Whitewash

The third and final Test was supposed to be India’s chance to salvage pride, but the Kiwis, under Tom Latham's captaincy, had other plans. Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips spun a deadly web around India’s batters, restricting the home side to a mere 121 in their chase of 147. This comprehensive series victory by New Zealand came as a bitter blow, marking the first time India had suffered a whitewash in a three-match series at home.

The Wankhede crowd watched as India crumbled, losing five wickets within the first 30 runs. Though Rishabh Pant’s half-century revived some hope, his dismissal dashed India’s chances, as the rest of the lineup folded soon after. Patel’s six-wicket haul and Phillips’s key strikes were the cornerstone of New Zealand's historic victory, leaving India and Rohit Sharma reeling.

Rohit Sharma Joins an 'Unwanted' List with MAK Pataudi

Rohit Sharma’s name now stands next to the iconic MAK Pataudi, marking an unexpected yet striking record. Both captains now share the unfortunate distinction of the most home Test losses by an Indian captain in a cale

ndar year — four in total. The last time this happened was back in 1969 when Pataudi’s side lost one Test to New Zealand and three to Australia.

For Rohit, 2024 began with a loss to England in Hyderabad, and after winning the following six Tests, India’s fortunes sharply reversed. Three back-to-back defeats to New Zealand — an eight-wicket loss in Bengaluru, a 113-run drubbing in Pune, and a 26-run heartbreak in Mumbai — brought Rohit to this dismal milestone. He has now lost five Tests on home soil, the second most by an Indian captain, only behind Pataudi’s nine.

A Series of Missed Opportunities

The third Test loss at Wankhede concluded a series marked by recurring disappointments. India had bowled New Zealand out for 174, thanks to Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul and R Ashwin’s tight bowling. In response, Shubman Gill’s 90 and a solid 96-run stand with Pant gave India a slim lead as they posted 263 in the first innings. But in the second innings, the Kiwi bowlers, led by Patel, came back with vengeance, setting India a challenging target of 147.

Despite a strong start, India’s batting lineup faltered against New Zealand’s spin attack. Ajaz Patel and Phillips exploited every weakness, eventually sealing India’s fate. With this crushing defeat, India dropped to second place in the World Test Championship standings, leaving them with a steep climb ahead to qualify for the final in 2025.

Looking Forward: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia

As India grapples with the aftermath of this defeat, they now prepare to face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The first Test is set to take place on November 22 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. For India, the series in Australia will be a true test of resilience, where the transition from India’s spin-friendly pitches to Australia’s pace and bounce could either spur a resurgence or deepen their woes.

Rohit Sharma and his team will need to regroup quickly, finding strength in the face of a challenging tour ahead. After this historic home setback, all eyes will be on the Indian skipper as he looks to shake off the shadow of MAK Pataudi’s record and lead India to a comeback Down Under.