Historical Analysis: New Zealand’s Historic 2024 Test Series Whitewash in India
LONDON, 23 January 2026 – In the annals of Test cricket, few achievements resonate as profoundly as a touring side conquering India on their home soil. A little over a year ago, the New Zealand cricket team authored one of the most remarkable chapters in the sport’s history by completing a stunning 3-0 series clean sweep against India. This analysis revisits that landmark series from October to November 2024, which saw the Black Caps break a 36-year drought and inflict India’s first-ever 3-0 home whitewash.
The Series in Review
The three-match Test series, part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, was a masterclass in resilience and tactical execution by the visiting New Zealanders. Prior to the series, New Zealand had won only two Test matches in India, with their last victory dating back to the 1988-89 season. Under the leadership of Tom Latham, they not only won their first series in India but did so in the most emphatic fashion possible.
Match-by-Match Summary & Key Statistics
| Test Match | Result | Key Performers | WTC Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test (Bengaluru, 16-20 Oct) | New Zealand won by 8 wickets | Rachin Ravindra (134), Matt Henry (5/15) | NZ 12, IND 0 |
| 2nd Test (Pune, 24-26 Oct) | New Zealand won by 113 runs | Mitchell Santner (7/53 & 6/104), Washington Sundar (7/59) | NZ 12, IND 0 |
| 3rd Test (Mumbai, 1-3 Nov) | New Zealand won by 25 runs | Ajaz Patel (6/57), Ravindra Jadeja (5/65), Will Young (71 & 51) | NZ 12, IND 0 |
Series Defining Moments
The tone was set in the first Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where India were sensationally bowled out for 46 in their first innings – their third-lowest Test total and lowest at home. Matt Henry’s 5 for 15 was instrumental. New Zealand’s batters, led by a brilliant 134 from Rachin Ravindra, built a massive lead and despite an Indian fightback, chased down 107 with ease to end the 36-year wait for a win in India.
The victory in Pune sealed the historic series win. Mitchell Santner’s match haul of 13 wickets (7/53 and 6/104) on a turning track outbowled India’s spinners, showcasing New Zealand’s adapted game plan. The final Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was a tighter affair, but a second-innings collapse by India, triggered by Ajaz Patel’s 6 for 57, secured the clean sweep. This was the first time India had been whitewashed 3-0 in a Test series at home.
Series Leaders
Leading Run-Scorer: Rishabh Pant (IND) – 261 runs.
Leading Wicket-Taker: Washington Sundar (IND) & Ravindra Jadeja (IND) – 16 wickets each.
Player of the Series: Will Young (NZ) for his consistent contributions (244 runs).
Legacy of the 2024 Series
This series was hailed as one of New Zealand cricket’s greatest ever achievements. It demonstrated a perfect blend of aggressive batting, disciplined spin bowling – led by Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner – and exceptional fielding. For India, it was a rare and sobering home defeat, their first series loss on home soil since 2012, prompting significant introspection. The results had a major impact on the World Test Championship standings, with New Zealand collecting a full 36 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did New Zealand last win a Test in India before 2024?
Prior to their victory in Bengaluru in October 2024, New Zealand’s last Test win on Indian soil was in November 1988 – a gap of 36 years.
Was this India’s first ever 3-0 whitewash at home?
Yes. The 3-0 result in November 2024 was the first time India had been clean-swept in a Test series in their own country.
Who were the standout players for New Zealand?
While many contributed, all-rounder Rachin Ravindra’s century in the first Test was pivotal, spinner Mitchell Santner dominated the second Test, and Ajaz Patel’s match-winning spells in Mumbai were crucial. Will Young’s consistent batting earned him the Player of the Series award.