• Source:JND
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In a historic upset, the Indian cricket team has lost its first home Test series in 12 years, as New Zealand sealed a 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match series. Led by Rohit Sharma, India’s dominance on home soil was broken by a disciplined and adaptable New Zealand side, who utilized the conditions to their advantage. With one game remaining, the Blackcaps have already claimed the series, sparking significant criticism of India's performance.

However, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has defended India’s efforts, emphasizing that there is “nothing wrong” with the team itself. De Villiers credited New Zealand’s adaptability as the decisive factor in their success, noting the visiting side’s impressive ability to adjust to challenging subcontinent conditions. To further support his view, he highlighted Virat Kohli’s performances in South Africa, where Kohli thrived despite the unfamiliar conditions, illustrating that sometimes the outcome simply reflects the brilliance of the opposition.

As India faces criticism for their unexpected home series loss, de Villiers' perspective offers a reminder that New Zealand's triumph is a testament to their skill and preparation.

"When you go to India, Indian players are the best players of spin, it is perceived to be, doesn't always mean that it is a fact that all the batters are the best players of spin in the world. When you get a turning wicket and you get a good bowler, no matter how good of a player you are, you will be under pressure. If the batter has got the mind and skill and the ability, you can score runs in any conditions in the world," said de Villiers on his YouTube channel.

"There is nothing wrong with the Indian batters, they are incredible players, all of them and they can play spin. But I think a lot of teams have caught up and that perception of when you go to India, you are going to have a hard time, those times are gone.

"The 90s and early 2000s are gone, when you are just a walking wicket in certain conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, he has scored 100s in South Africa as well," he added.

India will play the third and final test of the series against New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai starting Friday.

"When you go to India, Indian players are the best players of spin, it is perceived to be, doesn't always mean that it is a fact that all the batters are the best players of spin in the world. When you get a turning wicket and you get a good bowler, no matter how good of a player you are, you will be under pressure. If the batter has got the mind and skill and the ability, you can score runs in any conditions in the world," said de Villiers on his YouTube channel.

"There is nothing wrong with the Indian batters, they are incredible players, all of them and they can play spin. But I think a lot of teams have caught up and that perception of when you go to India, you are going to have a hard time, those times are gone.

"The 90s and early 2000s are gone, when you are just a walking wicket in certain conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, he has scored 100s in South Africa as well," he added.

India will play the third and final test of the series against New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai starting Friday.