India said 5-0 on TV: Tom Blundell fires back after New Zealand seal series

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell has recalled India’s series build-up ahead of the ongoing Test series, saying they wanted to whitewash it. Notably, New Zealand registered a historic victory over India when they defeated them in the first two Tests in Bengaluru and Pune.

The Blackcaps came into the series having won just two Test matches in India in their entire history and therefore the hosts were heavy favorites to win their 19th.^e consecutive series at home. However, the Tom Latham-led side stunned the most dominant Test team in home conditions and recorded a series victory.

Recalling the build-up of the series, Blundell said the broadcasters had slogans of India’s 5-0 collective whitewash on Bangladesh and New Zealand. He also said India must have underestimated them as they trailed in a 0-2 whitewash in Sri Lanka but were left shocked by their performance.

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“When we first came here, I think they had a slogan on TV that said ‘five-zero’ for their home summer, or something like that. I’m pretty sure they wrote us off because after Sri Lanka came. But I think they’re quite shocked in terms of what we achieved, and how we came out and competed and played really good cricket to beat these guys – one of the best teams in the world. Blundell told SEN Cricket.

India is fighting for a third consecutive WTC final

Meanwhile, after losing the series, India’s chances of qualifying are up for the World Test Championship final have suffered a major blow. The hosts are on the verge of a whitewash at home after 24 years and therefore need to put their A-match at the forefront to keep their chances of qualifying for the third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final qualifier alive.

India are still at first place in the standings but need to win four of the remaining six matches to reach the final. Therefore, Rohit Sharma-ked’s side have a lot on their shoulders in the final Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1.