After the first test it was expected a tough fight from Kohli’s men against New Zealand at Christchurch but again the same series ‘overseas story‘ continues and India were handed their second defeat of the series within 3 days. With this New Zealand have claimed crucial 120 Points of the ICC World Test Championship and India return back with nothing. At the start of the Test it seemed a challenging fight but as the Test progressed, Kohli’s men were just not able to capitalize at all.
Here we will discuss about the three reasons of India’s 2-0 whitewash against the Kiwis.
1) Kohli’s downfall
Before the commencement of the Test Series Virat Kohli was the No. 1 test batsman and it was highly expected that Kohli will return back to his prime form in his ‘favorite format‘ but then the way New Zealand planned for him it was just the worst ever tour of the World’s Best Batsman. Kohli returned with the numbers of 2, 19, 3 and 14 which sums up only 38 Runs at the average of 9.50. Who would have thought about that. Not only this series but it was the 22nd inning of Virat without any 100. Apart from this in the whole tour the run-machine has managed to cross 50 only once in that to in the first ODI. These all things are a huge sign of worry for the Indian Team.
2) Failure of Test Specialists Pujara and Rahane
Pujara and Rahane have been the pillars behind the India’s white ball-success for a long time now. Pujara was the main piller for the India’s recent success against Australia. Rahane was back in the form in the domestic season and alot was expected from the duo. Both of them tried to stay at the crease eventually loosing the concentration. So the failure of No. 3 and No. 5 led to India’s downfall. The low strike rate didn’t helped their cause to stay longer.
3) Kiwi pace attack breaking havoc on the Indian Batsman
Kiwi pace attack was upto to the mark just at the right time. The trio of Southee, Boult and Jamieson never allowed Indian Batsman to settle and score freely. Southee was out to make up for his performances in the Super Overs and took 14 Wickets, Boult as always gave breakthroughs at the crucial times by taking 11 wickets and the newbie Jamieson had a debut series to remember for with 9 Wickets including a 5-for in the IInd Test. The trio took 34 Wickets out of 40 Wickets, clearly shows that how much damage was given to them to the Indian Batsman. All three hardly allowed any loose balls to the Indian Batsman. Indian batsman fell in all the traps planned by them.