Team India lost the Test series against New Zealand, with the series standing at 2-0. This defeat marked a significant moment, as it came after Team India’s lackluster performance against Bangladesh, where they managed to escape with a series win.
However, this time the scenario was different; back-to-back matches slipped away from India’s grasp, and New Zealand celebrated a series victory on Indian soil for the first time in 12 years. As Team India reflects on this unexpected outcome, there are invaluable lessons to be learned to get back on track in Test matches.
1. Focus on the ‘Present’ and ‘Current’
It seems that Team India was more absorbed in the upcoming IPL auction for the 2025 season and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy than the series against the Kiwis. As a result, adequate attention was not given to the immediate challenges posed by the New Zealand team.
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The focus on upcoming events may have distracted players from preparing effectively for their current series. Additionally, the toss proved to be a crucial factor; Rohit’s decision to opt for batting first in the first Test proved to be a miscalculation. This series loss serves as a reminder that teams must remain present and prioritize the immediate challenges over future distractions.
2. ‘Spin-Friendly’ Aren’t Friendly Anymore
Historically, Indian pitches have been regarded as spin-friendly, granting the home side a distinct advantage. However, it became apparent during this series that Team India struggled on spin-friendly surfaces, raising the question of their comfort level on such pitches.
Interestingly, it seems that the team is more accustomed to sporty, fast pitches. The unfamiliarity with spin-friendly tracks translated to poor batting performances, showcasing a need for more adaptability and resilience against varying pitch conditions.
3. Legends Should Consider Playing Domestic Cricket
With the absence of preparation at the domestic level, senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and R. Ashwin missed out on essential match practice. It is increasingly important for these legends to take the initiative to engage in domestic tournaments, such as the Duleep Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
This exposure would help refine their skills and better prepare them for the challenges of international Test matches. Their lack of participation in domestic cricket is now reflected in the team’s performance, underlining the necessity for experience and practice at various competitive levels.
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4. Modern Batters Need to Add the Sweep Shot
In today’s cricketing landscape, players are adopting innovative techniques to enhance their gameplay. The use of sweep shots has become a key strategy for many modern batters, allowing them to counter spin bowling effectively and minimize pressure.
Unfortunately, Indian batters have yet to embrace this approach as effectively as their foreign counterparts, particularly SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) players. By incorporating more sweep shots into their repertoire, Indian players could seize control of the game and adjust to the evolving demands of Test cricket.
5. Time for Jadeja and Rohit to Consider Their Test Futures
Rohit Sharma’s form as captain and Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round contributions are consistently under scrutiny. Both players have faced criticism for not capitalizing on the opportunities presented to them in red-ball cricket. It may be time for them to make a pivotal decision: either participate in domestic cricket to regain form or consider stepping back from Test matches.
Their experience and leadership are valuable, but consistent underperformance could hinder Team India’s progression. A thoughtful re-evaluation of their futures and roles within the team is imperative for the betterment of Team India.