as India vs New Zealand ODI series As it reached its thrilling climax, the focus turned to the high-stakes decider in Indore. After India’s dominant start in Vadodara, the Black Caps roared back in Rajkot to level the series 1-1 and make the final match a virtual no-brainer. With the series on the line, the team management is faced with a huge choice dilemma between sticking to tried and tested blood or introducing fresh blood. Legendary key Sunil Gavaskar Assessing the situation, he suggested that the pressure of the series final will dictate India’s strategy. The Holkar Stadium is known for its high-scoring games, but the fear of losing the home series might force India to play it safe.
Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise at New Zealand’s comfortable victory
After India’s unexpected seven-wicket defeat in Rajkot, Gavaskar expressed his surprise at how comfortably New Zealand chased down the target. He noted that the slow nature of the pitch should have favored the Indian bowlers, but Daryl Mitchell‘s brilliant century destroyed these hopes.
Gavaskar pointed out that with the series now tied, the Indian team lost the elbow room it needed to test its bench strength. Gone is the luxury of trying out new combinations and now the focus should be purely on securing the trophy. Gavaskar stressed that the pressure on Indore will be huge as New Zealand have never won an ODI series in India and will smell blood. For India, the third ODI is no longer a Test game; this is a game for survival.
“I was surprised how easily New Zealand got over the line because before batting, everyone thought India could take advantage of the slowness of the pitch. With their bowlers, not just the spinners, all using the slowness of the surface well, I felt India could restrict New Zealand to around 260 or 270. I thought it would be an easy win for India.” NDTV Sports reports citing Gavaskar’s words.
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Gavaskar has named the Indian player who will miss the Indore ODI vs New Zealand
This may be the most significant casualty of the absolute winner approach Yashasvi Jaiswalthe explosive southpaw that many fans wanted to see in the playing XI. Despite his incredible form across formats, Jaiswal found himself on the sidelines as the team continued to back their regular opening pair.
Gavaskar said if India had secured the series in Rajkot, Jaiswal would have got a run in Indore to showcase his white-ball prowess. However, with the series tied at 1-1, the veteran feels that the management cannot take the risk of dropping an established performer. This situation has Jaiswal, a player considered by many to be the future cornerstone of the ODI side, waiting in the wings once again.
“If India had won this match, they would have had the freedom to experiment a bit. Maybe they would have given a chance to players who haven’t played yet. Someone like Jaiswal could have had a chance. Gavaskar said all these things could have been possible, but they can’t take any chances now. They have to play with their best eleven.” Gavaskar concluded.
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