Abhishek Nayar says 2024 New Zealand whitewash in India still 'hurt' ahead of two-Test series
Abhishek Nayar said the 0-3 Test series defeat by New Zealand in India in 2024 continues to trouble him. Speaking on JioHotstar, the former India batting coach called the forthcoming two-Test series against New Zealand a big assignment.
Nayar was part of the Indian coaching setup during the 2024-25 Test season when India suffered that 0-3 home whitewash to New Zealand and then lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3 to Australia. He described the 2024 reversal as painful for himself and for Indian fans. The team's batting performance across those assignments was singled out as a major concern, with senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma failing to produce consistent returns and the side unable to solve opposing bowling attacks. The run of results prompted the BCCI to carry out a review, and Nayar was later removed from the coaching staff while the board examined shortcomings within Gautam Gambhir’s setup.
Reflecting on priorities for the upcoming meeting with New Zealand, Nayar said: "New Zealand came to India, they beat us in the Test series, and that hurt me a little, as it did the rest of our fans too. So, it's a big series. There should be a balance in life. World Cup is important, but there is some time for that." He used the platform to underline the significance he attaches to the two-Test contest.
On the role of Gambhir and the coaching group, Nayar said the series carries weight for the head coach and the supporters, stating: "This Test series, for me, is a decisive one for Gautam Gambhir and Indian fans." That comment framed the fixture as an opportunity to respond to the defeats suffered in the preceding Test season.
Nayar questioned the scheduling of multi-format duties ahead of a red-ball tour, arguing that players shifting immediately between ODIs and Tests face preparation challenges. He said: "So, I would have liked players like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, who are playing both formats, to focus only on Test cricket. Because now you have to prepare for the ODIs and, after that, the Tests," and added that allowing one or two months for red-ball work would have been preferable.
Turning to the on-field target, Nayar urged a reversal of the 2024 outcome and expressed his expectation for a different result away from home: "Just like they beat us here in India, we should beat them there," he said. He concluded by saying the recent past remains hard to forget and that this series is the occasion to change New Zealand's impression of India.
The upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand is the immediate opportunity Nayar identified for India to address the 2024 whitewash and for Gautam Gambhir to seek a stronger Test record with his side.