Fans of the Indian cricket team were quite disappointed when the team lost against New Zealand in the first match of the ODI series. The magic of the T20I series was expected by the spectators, who were basking in the recent whitewash of the Kiwis by team India.
India put up 347 runs on the board after splendid performances by KL Rahul (88) and Shreyas Iyer (109). On the other hand, debutants Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw could not leave much impact on the field, having scored only 32 and 20 runs respectively.
The Black Caps surprised everyone with their performance on the field. Ross Taylor led the run chase with 109*, accompanied by Henry Nicholls (78) and Tom Latham (69). The Kiwis gave a clear message to the Indian team that they will not leave the field without a fight, and their capabilities as a team should never be doubted.
Ex-cricketer and legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh spoke about India’s recent loss, stating that the Men in Blue should look to play Kuldeep Sharma and Yuzvendra Chahal against the Black Caps in the second match.
He stated that New Zealand can easily play and win against fast bowlers, but the team has a collective issue with spinners. If used in the middle overs, the spinners can help India get those coveted wickets. Virat Kohli should leave Kedhar Jadhav out in the second ODI, and play an extra spinner instead.
Hindustan Times quoted Singh as saying, “I would like to see both spinners playing together – Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. This New Zealand team will play fast bowlers on any given day and they will take anyone on.”
“But when it comes to playing spinners, it has always been a case for them. You can get those wickets in the middle overs. So I would like to see both the spinners play together. Maybe leave out Kedar Jadhav and play an extra spinner.”
