'Can't become ordinary because opposition is brilliant' – Aakash Chopra slams India’s spinners after New Zealand ODI debacle

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has raised serious concerns over India’s bowling, particularly the performance of the spinners, following the Men in Blue’s ODI series defeat to New Zealand.

India suffered a 41-run loss in the third ODI in Indore on Sunday, which handed the visitors a historic 2-1 series win as the Kiwis won their first-ever ODI series in India. After opting to bowl first, India allowed New Zealand to post a commanding 337 for 8 before being bowled out for 296.

Chopra was critical of the Indian spin attack, pointing out that despite being more experienced than their New Zealand counterparts, India’s spinners were comprehensively outbowled throughout the series.

“Our spin was pedestrian. We didn't bowl well in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore. Interestingly enough, Jayden Lennox, who was debuting for New Zealand, conceded only 40-odd runs in his 10 overs in both matches. Michael Bracewell got injured and didn't bowl in the last match. So Glenn Phillips bowled,” Chopra said.

The former cricketer highlighted that India’s spinners failed to apply pressure even in conditions traditionally considered spin-friendly. In the third ODI, Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 1 for 48 in six overs, while Ravindra Jadeja went wicketless, conceding 41 runs in his six overs.

Chopra further underlined how India’s spin pair struggled to make inroads, even collectively.

“When our bowlers bowled, we conceded a lot of runs in the second match. In this match, we conceded 89 runs in 12 overs between Jadeja and Kuldeep and picked up just one wicket. This entire team had half the wickets Kuldeep has. It's such a big difference, but as it's said, you are known not by your name but by your deeds,” he added.

While acknowledging Daryl Mitchell’s outstanding batting, the cricketer turned commentator stressed that India’s bowlers could not afford to drop their standards simply because the opposition played well.

“In this series, their spinners outbowled our spinners. It's slightly bitter, but that's the truth. Truth is bitter many times. Daryl Mitchell was brilliant, but you cannot become ordinary just because the opposition is brilliant. If you aren't able to get him out, get the other batter out at least. We couldn't do that as well,” he said.

Chopra also flagged concerns over Jadeja’s overall form, noting shortcomings with both bat and ball.

“I would say bowling is a serious problem. Ravindra Jadeja's form with the ball and bat is a problem. You have to put your hand up and admit it because improvement starts with the acceptance that you need to improve. If this doesn't remind us that we need to improve, what will?” Chopra observed.

Across the three ODIs, Kuldeep finished with three wickets at an economy rate of 7.28, while Jadeja failed to take a single wicket, conceding 141 runs in 23 overs. With the bat, Jadeja managed 43 runs in three innings at an average of 14.33. The veteran all-rounder has managed to pick up one wicket in the last six ODI games he has played.