In the second Test match in Pune, India faced a heavy defeat, losing to New Zealand by 113 runs, which allowed the visitors to secure the series with one match still remaining. This defeat marked the end of India’s impressive streak of 18 consecutive bilateral home series wins.
Reacting to India’s performance, former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad shared pointed criticism on his YouTube channel, mocking the Indian team’s effort. “New Zealand arrived in India and defeated them decisively, as if they had the authority to do so—beating them soundly and moving on. It’s as if they’ve ‘pulled a prank’ on India,” Shehzad commented. He also quoted a popular phrase, “Kagaz ke sher, aur ghar mein dher” (meaning “Tigers on paper, crumbled at home”), indicating his view that the Indian team’s dominance was limited to paper only.
Shehzad further described the Indian side’s performance as lacking maturity, even calling them “schoolboys.” He felt that India’s defeat stemmed from overconfidence and a lack of intensity. “When India was bowled out for 46 in the first Test, Rohit Sharma dismissed it by saying, ‘Everyone has a bad day.’ Fair enough, but in this Test too, India’s gameplay suggested complacency,” he added. He criticized the Indian captain’s remarks about avoiding unnecessary talk, suggesting that the team’s fighting spirit had been notably absent across the two matches.
