After a huge victory in the T20I series against New Zealand, the Indian team was ready to fight with the Kiwis for the 2 test matches bilateral series on the Indian surfaces. The India vs New Zealand test series 2021 started off with the first test held at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur from Nov 25 - Nov 29, 2022, and then both the squad moved to Mumbai for the second test match at Wankhede Stadium on 3 December 2022. The 2 test matches series was associated with the ICC World Test Championship of 2021-2023.
Ajinkya Rahane took the responsibility of captain for the 1st test in the absence of Virat Kohli. Kohli rejoined his team for the second test. On the other hand, Kane Williamson was commanding the Kiwis for the Test series in India. Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant were not included in the test squad as the selectors gave them some rest, on the other hand, KL Rahul also missed the series because of health issues. Rachin Ravindra and Shreyas Iyer were called up for their maiden test for India at the international level.
In the first inning, the Indian team successfully put 345 runs on the scoreboard while batting first, Shreyas Iyer struck a century in his debut and added a crucial partnership of 121 runs with Jadeja for the 4th wicket. Jadeja had to go at 266 after striking a significant half-century, Shreyas Iyer who was looking good, was also sent back by Tim Southee at 305. Tim Southee did an excellent job with the ball and took 5 crucial wickets.
In reply, New Zealand started off superb and added 151 in pair for the 1st wicket but after losing their opener, they could not handle the Indian spin attack, especially Axar Patel who took 5 wickets. In the end, the Kiwis could make 296 runs only and thus India got the lead of 49 runs. Latham’ 95 and Young’s 89 helped them to reach 296.
In the second innings, the Indian team could successfully add 234, all thanks to Shreyas Iyer who struck a half-century in the second innings, and thus New Zealand got the target of 284. Indian bowlers tried well but could not bowl the entire team and the match was drawn. Ashwin and Jadeja took 3 and 4 wickets in the 2nd innings. Shreyas Iyer became the Man of the Match for his 105 and 65 runs.
The second test started on 3 Dec and concluded on 6 Dec 2021 in Mumbai. In the first inning, India added 325 runs where Indian opener Mayank Agrawal struck 150 runs. On the other hand, Ajaz Patel had created history after taking 10 wickets in the first inning for New Zealand. He took 10 wickets from his 47.5 overs and gave 119 runs. In reply, New Zealand started off very badly and bowled out at 62 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin took 4, Mohammad Siraj took 3 wickets in 1st innings.
The Indian team, in the 2nd innings, successfully put 276 on the scoreboard and gave NZ a huge target of 540 runs, on the other hand, New Zealand again looked weak against Indian spinners, especially Ashwin who took 4 wickets and could make only 167 for 10 wickets. Indian team won the 2nd test and of course Ind vs NZ test series 2021 by 1-0. Mayank Agrawal called for the Man of the Match award for his 150 and 62 runs in the match. Ravichandran Ashwin was named Man of the series for his outstanding performance.
Mayank Agarwal became the leading scorer of the series with 242 runs at an average of 60.50 and Ajaz Patel was the highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in the series. Thus, Ind vs NZ test series 2021 was concluded on December 6 with the victory of the Indian team by 2-0.