After registering a gigantic 5-0 win in the T20 series, the Indians were brought back to the ground in the ODI series which followed thereafter. The Men in Blue looked clueless as they suffered a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand in the three-match ODI series.
While the series defeat drew a lot of criticism from various quarters, Gautam Gambhir had a different take on that. The former left-handed batsman, however, believed that it’s better to praise the opposition rather than criticising the Indian team.
“I have often noticed that whenever we go down, we start blaming someone from our team, more often than not, we start questioning our processes and change things which are not meant to be.”
Gambhir was quoted as saying in Times of India.
The limited-overs series saw some exceptional performances from both sides, as the focus now shifts to the longest format of the game. India have been on a phenomenal run in tests, having won 7 consecutive test matches, their longest winning streak in Test cricket. They are leading the Word Test Championship points table with 360 points to their name.
New Zealand, on the other hand, are at the bottom half of the table, having secured only one win in five matches. They would be keen to improve their numbers and win both the games.
India have won all the matches they have played since the inaugural of World Test Championship, however, the biggest challenge will start from Friday when they take on New Zealand in seaming conditions.
Prior to the start of the test series, India suffered from a big blow as Rohit Sharma got ruled out due to an injury. As a result, India will have a new opening pair facing the Kiwis on Friday. Mayank Agarwal will open the innings with either one of Shubhman Gill or Prithvi Shaw and a lot will be on the former to give India an ideal start and thereby make the foundation for a big total.
Gambhir on Thursday lavishes praise on Mayank Agarwal, calling him one of the most organised cricketers.
“I have a lot of faith in Mayank Agarwal. He may not be the most gifted going around but he is certainly the most organised. He will not treat bowlers with disdain like Virender Sehwag or a David Warner did but has the clarity of mind of an opening batsman,” the Delhi batsman said.
“We will have a new pair opening the batting for India. It will be interesting to see how Prithvi Shaw or Shubhman Gill react to opportunities as and when they get,” he added.
India will play two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting 21st February 2020.
