Rajkot: India’s second ODI against New Zealand ended in a 285-run chase for the visitors, leaving the series tied 1-1 and raising tough questions about India’s spin strategy. The spotlight fell squarely on India’s two-spinner combination, which struggled to contain a dominant New Zealand middle order led by Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged that execution, rather than effort, cost India the match. He suggested that team management may have misread the pitch conditions, which became more favorable for spin later in the evening.
Spin Strategy Under Scrutiny
India went into the match with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja as the primary spin options, while New Zealand employed a three-pronged spin attack. The difference was evident: New Zealand spinners conceded only 76 runs in 20 overs, maintaining tight control, whereas India’s pair gave away 126 runs in 18 overs and struggled to take crucial wickets.
“An extra spinner could have helped, but the combination on the field needed better execution,” said ten Doeschate.
Kuldeep Yadav, India’s main wicket-taking option, endured an expensive outing, while Jadeja maintained control but could not break the partnership between Mitchell and Will Young.
Mitchell’s Masterclass
Daryl Mitchell’s innings was the defining factor in New Zealand’s chase. Calm, measured, and aware of the threats, Mitchell rotated strike efficiently and used the crease cleverly to neutralize India’s spin threat. He later praised Kuldeep Yadav, calling him one of the world’s top spinners, while highlighting how quickly adjusting to conditions gave New Zealand the edge.
India initially held the upper hand, reducing New Zealand to 46 for two in the early overs. However, loose deliveries and defensive field placements allowed Mitchell and Young to rebuild without scoreboard pressure.
Decisions and Missed Opportunities
India’s squad included Ayush Badoni as spin cover, but he was not played. Instead, the team relied on a sixth bowling option that failed to make a significant impact. Ten Doeschate emphasized that losses rarely come down to a single decision but highlighted the need to improve spin lengths and middle-overs strategy ahead of the series decider.
Series Decider Awaits
With the three-match ODI series level, the final game in Indore carries high stakes. India’s spinners are likely to face intense scrutiny as opposition batters now have a clear blueprint to counter them. Mitchell’s audacious scoop to seal the win was a stark reminder of the difference between clarity and hesitation under pressure — a lesson India will need to heed if they hope to reclaim the series.
