After the dismal show against Australia, India continue to prove that they are laggards when playing abroad. India not only lost to NZ, it lost badly. Barring the fight in the 3rd ODI when some fine knocks by Jaddu and Ashwin helped India tie the match. India could just bite dust in the entire series. The team lacked maturity and discipline in all the departments. The bowling was mundane, it felt as if the bowlers were just not applying themselves, they were just hoping for some miracle to happen, which unfortunately did not!
The top order was pathetic in the series. They were usually slow and were never able to give India a solid start. The middle order also fumbled in most of the games. Barring a couple of good innings by Kohli, the trio of Kohli, Rahane, Rayudu/Raina just could not deliver. Indians also allowed free flow of runs in the middle overs which further aggravated Indian problems. NZ on the other hand were composed from the very start of the series. Their openers were solid, middle order was specially impressive – Williamson and Taylor played some excellent innings. Lower order of Luke Ronchi and Corey Anderson was just phenomenal, they provided that late push to NZ innings whenever needed. NZ must be feeling really high after the series. They were No. 7 in the ICC rankings and India was No. 1 before the series; I would rather say the ranking system is flawed! India has moved to No. 2 after the series loss.
The only positive for India in the series was that Ashwin can bat! However given the kind of pitches we have in NZ, Roger Binny could have been given more chances. Irfan Pathan might also have been effective with his slower cutters. Anyways, India has seen enough of NZ pitches now and its time to prepare for the 2 test matches. First match starts on 6th Feb at Auckland. Given the current form of the India team, it is going to be really tough for the team. Pacer Ishwar Pandey has also been included in the test squad. Plus there are players like Pujara, Vijay and Zaheer Khan who can help team India fight against NZ. Here’s wishing team India good luck for the test matches. Hope they won’t disappoint the fans this time around.
Cheers!
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