Need to fix chalta hai’ attitude

India’s loss to New Zealand at home in the ongoing Test series, the first such defeat since England’s victory in 2012, signals a rare setback in India’s otherwise formidable record on home turf. This result not only snaps India’s 18-series home winning streak but also exposes vulnerabilities in areas previously seen as strengths. Traditionally, India has relied heavily on its spinners to dominate in home conditions. However, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner proved to be the standout bowler with match-winning spells that dismantled India’s batting lineup. His 13 wickets across two Tests underscored India’s surprising struggle against quality spin.

The hosts’ lack of adaptability to Santner’s accuracy and variations raises questions about their preparedness against foreign spinners, particularly when they are less familiar with specific line and length challenges on home soil. India’s batting lineup, which includes seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, faltered significantly. Barring contributions from Rishab Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Indian batsmen failed to build a resilient foundation. In both Tests, collapses under pressure were evident, with India unable to chase manageable targets. This signals a need to reassess the current approach and preparation, particularly in handling high-pressure situations and adapting to early setbacks India’s bowlers, especially pacers, struggled to maintain consistency and precision, unlike New Zealand’s disciplined attack.

India’s seamers were less effective in creating pressure, and New Zealand capitalised by putting runs on the board, a strategy that has traditionally troubled India in challenging home conditions. India’s response to this setback could set the tone for future performances at home. One immediate step would be to strengthen techniques against quality spin by incorporating more specific drills in preparation camps. Indian batsmen could benefit from simulated sessions with variations that mimic bowlers like Santner. Practising on pitches that vary in bounce and turn could provide the experience needed to handle different trajectories and revamp the mindset required to succeed under challenging conditions. Given New Zealand’s effective use of disciplined line-and-length bowling, India’s bowlers, particularly spinners, might consider diversifying their bowling arsenal. Developing skills that vary pace, seam position and subtle changes in delivery angles could keep opponents on edge. As more teams adapt to Indian conditions, the bowlers’ adaptability to varied pitch behaviours is crucial to reestablish dominance.India’s performance under pressure has been scrutinised in recent series. Instituting targeted mental conditioning and resilience-building sessions can be a pivotal corrective measure.

Team psychologists and coaches could work with players on handling in-game stress, especially during critical match phases. This mental resilience can be particularly beneficial for newer players exposed to high-stakes situations, ensuring they have the psychological tools to perform consistently.