India's dominance in the home Test series has been broken for the first time since 2012. In the opening match against New Zealand at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium, India's batting lineup faltered badly, collapsing for just 46 runs. Their woes continued into the second Test, where they were defeated by 113 runs, sealing the series in New Zealand's favor. Also Read: India To Prepare A Rank Turner For Mumbai Tests Against New Zealand Since Gautam Gambhir assumed the role of head coach in July 2024, the team has faced a bumpy path. After a disappointing ODI series loss in Sri Lanka in August, this recent home series defeat marks another setback in Gambhir's tenure. Reflecting on the outcome, Gambhir expressed his disappointment, stating the loss stings deeply, but he remains hopeful that the players will learn from their mistakes and bounce back in the upcoming third Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In the pre-match conference, Gambhir said: “I’m not going to sugarcoat this. Obviously, it’s hurting. And it’s good that it’s hurting because it should hurt. Every time you lose a game, be it at home or be it away from home, it should hurt. That hurt will make us better. Sometimes people say that it should not hurt. But it should hurt.” Gambhir highlighted that players should feel the sting of a Test defeat, whether on home ground or in away conditions, as that sense of disappointment is essential for their growth and development in their careers. He further said: “When you’re playing for your country, what’s wrong in being in that position? The more, especially for the youngsters, it’s hurting them, I’m sure they’re going to push themselves to keep getting better. Because that is exactly what we want them to be. Pushing themselves every day to be a better cricketer. And to do something special. Because if we have results like what we had in Kanpur, then we might as well have results like this. And take that hurt and keep moving forward.”