New Zealand claimed a historic first Test series win on Indian soil with a commanding 113-run victory in the second Test in Pune, ending India's 12-year unbeaten run at home. The Black Caps now hold an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, halting India's streak of 18 consecutive home series victories, which dates back to a 2-1 loss to Alastair Cook's England in December 2012.
India, chasing 359 to keep their record intact, faced a tough task after New Zealand’s second-innings total of 255 on the third morning. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal briefly gave India hope with a spirited 77, but Mitchell Santner soon extinguished that optimism. Taking 6-104 in the second innings, Santner finished with 13 wickets in the match, leading the New Zealand bowling attack that ultimately bowled India out for 245 in the evening session.
Santner, who had never before achieved a five-wicket haul in Tests, remarked that his confidence grew with each wicket. "Every time I got a wicket, it just felt a little better," he shared.
India started strong with Jaiswal's quick runs, but Santner quickly turned the tide. He dismissed Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Jaiswal, ran out Rishabh Pant, and later took the key wicket of Virat Kohli as India collapsed to 147-5. Although Ravindra Jadeja provided some resistance, scoring 42, he was the last man to fall, sealing a famous New Zealand victory.
Reflecting on the loss, India captain Rohit Sharma attributed it to a "collective failure," saying the team had not risen to meet the challenge presented by New Zealand. Despite some late resilience, New Zealand celebrated a comprehensive win, marking an extraordinary achievement in their cricketing history.