"I think the pitch got to the heads of the Indian batters" - Anil Kumble slams Team India for 2024 home Test series whitewash to New Zealand
Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble slammed the side's batters for their embarrassing 0-3 home series whitewash to New Zealand. After surrendering the series with losses in the first two Tests, India was expected to produce a better performance in the final Test in Mumbai.
However, they continued their dismal showing with the bat, scoring only 121 in their run-chase of 147 to lose by 25 runs. Furthermore, India scored above 300 only once in the six innings of the three-Test series, including recording their lowest-ever total at home with a 46 all-out in the first Test.
Speaking on Jio Cinema after the end of the Mumbai Test, Kumble felt the Indian batters allowed the pitch to enter their heads, resulting in horrific performances.
"I think the pitch got to the heads of the Indian batters...the top order not even batting a session throughout the series, except for that one partnership in Bangalore in the second innings. Other than that, you know in five innings to sort of just go through a batting line up, like the Indian batting line up in one session certainly says a lot about the approach, the attitude and of course, needs a lot of questioning and how you could come out of this," said Kumble.
It was the first time India was whitewashed in a home Test series since 2000 and their first-ever whitewash suffered in a home Test series with three or more matches.
"New Zealand dominated in the series" - Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble praised New Zealand for dominating the series, calling them among the best overseas sides historically to tour India.
Despite being a force in limited-overs cricket away from home, the Blackcaps had not won a Test match in India since 1988 before the 3-0 series win on this occasion.
"One team that has been really good travellers when they come to India has been the Kiwis. Everybody has a good soft word and nice word about the Kiwis. But this was a performance where, you know New Zealand dominated in the series. Yes, of course, the win was just by 25 runs. But the way they went about countering the pitches, the conditions, the bowling and that's what you know, you need to give credit to to New Zealand," said Kumble.
When asked if a deep introspection was needed on India's part, Kumble responded:
"I think it's about time. If it was not even before the start of this Test match, it certainly something that India needs to respect and then, you know, understand what kind of surfaces you need to play on as well. You know, I think we spoke about it even in Pune before the start of the Test match itself. It was spin to win. But it's certainly gave New Zealand a chance to come out there and then do what they have done exceptionally well."
India were also dealt a massive blow to their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final with the 0-3 defeat to New Zealand.
They have slipped to second place on the standings and need to win the upcoming series in Australia by a 4-0 or better margin to finish in the top two without depending on other teams' results.