A trigger for recalibration?

ankhede is among the stadiums in India, where cricket runs as a streak of emotions. It is here that emotions were shattered and undesirable records assumed shape during the three-match India-New Zealand Test series.

At a time when India will have to take a call on transition between eras at some point in time or other, the harrowing whitewash at the hands of the Kiwis is being seen by some as a jolt for recalibration. In fact, in the absence of specialist Test batters like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, a transition is already underway. The question arises: when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are added to the list of exiting stalwarts, how well-cooked would the youngsters be to take up the mantle by assuming specific roles burdened so well by their seniors in their prime? What makes the results look even more harrowing is the challenge lined up in the form of Border Gavaskar Trophy which might play a decisive role in cementing India's prospects for the World Test Championship in England, or otherwise.

However, the foremost question still is: How did India falter on its home ground, at a turning pitch that was seen as favouring India more than the visitors—game after game, for three consecutive matches? Did the Kiwis outplay the reputed Indian team? They definitely did. However, this is not a good enough reason to digest the heavy browbeating received by a team whose calibre and experience is not second to any other cricket team in the world. Were the Indians casual in their approach? Are the experienced players past their prime? Is the younger lot not groomed well-enough to withstand the ups and downs of Test cricket? These are tricky questions, and cannot be answered through the lens of a single defeat—however humiliating.