Former cricketer R Ashwin reserved great comments for New Zealand after the ODI series opener against India at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday, January 11. In the match, the Blackcaps were unable to defend a 301-run mark, allowing India to win by four wickets.
While New Zealand suffered defeat, Ashwin praised the team’s fighting spirit. He also expressed a wish to be a part of the team’s dressing room and see how they plan things.
In his YouTube video, the Indian spin superstar indicated that he was willing to pay money to attend New Zealand’s team meetings.
“A lot of the top teams aren’t very analytically driven. New Zealand is a very analytically driven side. I hope to sit down with them and observe their planning; I am even willing to pay money for it if needed. The way they execute their plans, I would pay to sit in their team meetings to understand how they go about it.”
Pointing out New Zealand’s fighting spirit, the former cricketer added:
“We must give credit to New Zealand for the way they were ready to fight in the game. They didn’t stop till the end, and that’s why they were able to come back into the game. I also posted a tweet that New Zealand don’t have a lot of strength in their squad, in terms of man-to-man. But because of their discipline, fielding, and how they execute their plans well, they are able to fight and compete with some of the top teams.”
Virat Kohli’s brilliant 93-run innings helped India reach their target in 49 overs. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer struck 56 off 71 and 49 off 47, respectively, while KL Rahul (29* off 21) and Harshit Rana (29 off 23) provided vital cameos.
“India didn’t play the best of cricket” – R Ashwin on the Shubman Gill-led side’s performance in ODI series opener
R Ashwin believes India did not perform to their best capacity in the meeting. He said he was more impressed with New Zealand’s performance.
The 39-year-old stated in the same video:
“The most impressive was the New Zealand team. India didn’t play the best of cricket. There were pockets where Harshit Rana bowled really well and batted really well.”
Virat Kohli appeared to be in excellent form, according to Ashwin. He also mentioned that the former captain’s footwork and moves appeared incredibly fluid.
“Another positive was Virat Kohli, what batting! His movements and footwork, he played a shot against Kristian Clarke, maybe, where he showed all three stumps. Kristian Clarke followed him, not allowing him enough space to open his hands, and he ended up hitting a four with a flick,” Ashwin remarked.
To keep the series alive, New Zealand must win the upcoming second ODI. The match will take place on Wednesday, January 14, at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium.
