India’s defeat in the ODI series was unexpected against New Zealand at their home. Building the pressure on the Kiwis after defeating them five-match T20I series, nobody thought India will be whitewashed in the day-night contest. Also, in the 50-over format, India for the first time was clean swept in 31 years.
In the three-match ODI series, the Men in Blue failed to grab the opportunity to change the scenario of the game. So, what were the reasons that Virat Kohli and Co. had to face defeat in the one-dayers?
Here, we have figured out the four reasons for India’s ODI series loss:
4. Pace-battery proved expensive:
Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, the most positive result in the team is the growth of fast bowlers. But this series saw the dip in the form of speedsters as they continuously leaked runs.
In the first game, India had given a mammoth target of 348 runs but then also India could not defend the target. Well, the pacer Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur leaked runs at crucial stages.
While in the second and third games, Shami was given rest as Navdeep Saini was given the chance. The youngster was unsuccessful in giving breakthroughs to the team.
In powerplays of the last two games, pacers were unable to break the partnership of New Zealand openers which created the pressure on India.
In the three ODIs, Shardul Thakur picked four wickets with an average of 56.75. While Saini went wicketless in the 2nd and 3rd ODI respectively.
While the spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja were economical. Chahal was the highest wicket-taker in the ODIs, picking six wickets in two games.