India last lost all Tests in a series at home was in 2000 when South Africa won 2-0.
Ravindra Jadeja, who starred with the ball on day 1 of the third Test between India and New Zealand, stated that he had never thought India would lose a Test series at home during his career. This comes after the Kiwis handed India their first Test series loss at home in 12 years.
India had last lost a Test series at home in 2012 and since then won 18 consecutive series creating invincibility at home. However, New Zealand, who had previously won only 3 Tests in India defeated them soundly in Bengaluru and Pune to win their maiden Test series in India and break that streak.
Ravindra Jadeja's remarkable Test career spanned 77 matches and inspired a sense of invincibility when playing at home. However, India's recent home Test series loss confirmed his worst fears.
Cricket always finds a way to level the playing field, as Jadeja's humiliating defeat to the Black Caps has demonstrated.
"Firstly, I had this fear… personally I had thought that I wouldn't lose a series in India as long as I am playing. But that too has happened. We won 18 series (at home), I thought as long as I am playing Test cricket in India we won't lose a series but that has happened, so I am not surprised with anything (that is happening),” Jadeja told media in a press conference after day one of third Test.
"We have set the expectations really high. Since the last 12 years, we did not lost a single series. I think we have lost a total of five Test matches in which I played. I think this is a good achievement but when you set such high expectations and lose a series, it stands out and that is what is happening,” he added.
He acknowledged that the burden of this series loss to New Zealand must be borne by the entire team.
"When we win, we lift the trophy together. Now that we have lost the series, all 15 in the team will take the blame collectively," he said.
India is in danger of losing the third Test as well and after bowling out New Zealand for 235 runs in the first innings, India ended day one on 86/4, losing three wickets in the last 8 balls of the day.
India was last white-washed in Test series at home in 2000 when South Africa won 2-0.
(PTI inputs)