As the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand concluded on Monday with India emerging victorious, the Board of Control for Cricket in India shared a heartwarming photograph on Twitter. The image captured Indian spinners Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja alongside New Zealand spinners Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra standing in perfect alignment.
Captured from behind, the camera showcased the players’ names on their jerseys, creating a memorable ‘Axar Patel-Ravindra Jadeja’ moment just after the match concluded.
India achieved a comprehensive victory over New Zealand, winning the second Test by a record-breaking margin of 372 runs. This triumph secured a 1-0 series victory in the two-match series, with comeback-player Jayant Yadav effectively dismissing the lower half of the New Zealand team on the fourth morning.
Precisely at 10:13 am, 43 minutes before the start of the day’s play, Ravichandran Ashwin (4/34) executed a quick stumping by Wriddhiman Saha and also achieved his 300th wicket on Indian soil, swiftly ending the New Zealand innings as they were bowled out for 167 runs in 56.3 overs.
This victory margin stands as India’s highest ever on their home turf. Despite a tough fight in Kanpur, the Kiwi team encountered familiar challenges from the extra bounce and turn in this match, which will likely be remembered for Ajaz’s impressive 10-wicket performance.
The comprehensive win, during which India fulfilled nearly all expectations except for their middle-order concerns, is bound to boost the confidence of skipper Virat Kohli as the team prepares for the upcoming away series against South Africa in three weeks’ time.
