Indore: New Zealand clinched the third and final match at Indore to seal the series against India, underlining their growing dominance over the hosts in white-ball cricket. The defeat marked another setback for India against the Kiwis, who had earlier swept the Test series 3–0 last year. With a five-match T20 series next on the calendar, the result has raised serious concerns over India’s preparedness to defend their World Cup title beginning February 7.
India had started the series on a promising note with a victory in Baroda, raising expectations of a clean sweep. However, New Zealand staged a remarkable comeback, outplaying the hosts in the next two matches through dominant batting displays—led by Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell struck back-to-back commanding centuries at Rajkot and Indore, asserting complete control against an Indian bowling attack that struggled to contain him. In the series decider, Glenn Phillips compounded India’s woes with a blistering hundred, ensuring New Zealand’s triumph.
Despite India securing early breakthroughs in both defeats, the bowlers failed to sustain pressure. In the second match, Will Young steadied the innings before Mitchell took charge, while in the final game Phillips provided strong support to Mitchell’s onslaught. India’s pace and spin departments alike appeared toothless. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav found no answers, while the pace attack—especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah—lacked penetration and consistency.
India’s vaunted batting lineup also fell short in comparison. Captain Rohit Sharma endured a rare lean run, failing to make an impact across all three matches on batting-friendly Indian surfaces. Shubman Gill looked out of sorts and fatigued, unable to produce a defining innings.
In contrast, Virat Kohli once again stood tall. He was instrumental in India’s opening win, faltered in the second match, but returned to form in the final with a fighting effort. Kohli received support from Reddy and later Rana, but their lack of experience showed at crucial moments, allowing New Zealand to seize control. With little contribution from the tail, Kohli’s resistance eventually proved insufficient.
Looking ahead, Kohli’s place in the 2027 World Cup setup appears secure, but questions loom over Rohit Sharma’s future. Strong performances in upcoming matches may be necessary for him to retain his spot. There are growing calls to experiment with a younger opening combination, potentially Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma.
The series also reignited debate over selection choices. Shreyas Iyer, returning straight from injury, struggled—prompting criticism that he should have regained form in domestic cricket, such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy, before being recalled. Dhruv Jurel’s omission was another talking point, with his absence felt both at the national level and by Uttar Pradesh in domestic knockouts. Additionally, observers suggested KL Rahul focus solely on batting, with wicketkeeping entrusted to a specialist, given the depth of keeper-batters available.
The bowling unit, too, requires recalibration, with changes needed across both pace and spin resources.
Ultimately, the series loss to New Zealand serves as a stark wake-up call for Indian cricket. As preparations intensify for major global tournaments, the emphasis must shift toward fresh talent, clearer roles, and stronger bench strength to bridge the gap exposed by a formidable Kiwi side.
