‘Kagaz ke sher, ghar mein dher’ - Ahmed Shehzad after New Zealand beats India at home

Team India succumbed to a hefty series loss against New Zealand, bringing a proud 12-year home streak to an end. India lost the first Test in Bengaluru by eight wickets before going down in the second Test in Pune by 113 runs. The three-match series will conclude with the third Test, which will be played at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium from November 1.

Seeing a second consecutive at home, former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has opened up on the performance of Indian team. “New Zealand have come to India and thrashed them as if they had the right to do so, beating them like kids and walking away. They’ve pulled a prank on India. People are now saying, ‘Tigers on paper, crumbled at home,’ Shehzad was quoted as saying by OneCricket.

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“When India were bowled out for 46 runs (in the first Test), Rohit Sharma had said, ‘Everyone has a bad day.’ And we accept that. Absolutely fair. But in this Test match too, the way you’ve played cricket, it seems like you’ve become complacent. Rohit Sharma says that they don’t believe in unnecessary talk, but that spirit was missing in the last two Tests. These two matches have been played in a way that makes it seem like schoolboys were playing," he added. 

The loss for India meant that their race for the final of the World Test Championship has become complex and challenging. The Rohit Sharma-led side still maintains top spot in the standings, but Pat Cummins’ Australia is closer than ever in the standings. 

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If the Indian team fails to put in a good showing in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, their spot in the WTC final next year could be in trouble. As things stand, the team needs to win a minimum of four Tests out of their remaining six.