India v New Zealand, 5th ODI: 5 Talking Points

Winning a bilateral series against India in the subcontinent remains to be a taboo for the hapless New Zealanders after they were blasted out by the Indians at Vizag. The 190-run win simply goes on to sum up what has been somewhat of a disastrous series in the subcontinent. While the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made massive strides with the bat, it was the uncanny Amit Mishra who was perhaps the most impressive of the lot with a 5-wicket haul, something that has been long expected from the 33-year old.

1. India’s wonderful and touching message on their jerseys

In all of India’s ODI history, never have they done anything like this before. For perhaps the first time, the Indian players donned their mother’s name on the back of their shirts. MS Dhoni had also exclaimed the emotional connection he had with his mother in the start of his playing career, something he shares with her even to this day. It was indeed a wonderful gesture and something that many hope will be repeated in the years to come.

2. India’s persistence with Rohit Sharma pays off

Rohit Sharma has had a bad series with the bat. In spite of some impressive batting performances in the Test series, the ODI series has seen the 29-year old unable to impress as much has he has. However, the final ODI in Vishakapatnam saw the 29-year old make a case for himself in the future Test series, something that will most certainly be of some value. Needless to say, Rohit top-scored with the bat for the Indians with a well-compiled and patient 70 compiled in 65 deliveries. He also smashed 3 sixes in his compilation.

3. Virat Kohli once again dominates the bowling

Prior to start of the encounter, a prominent publication had spoken about India’s over-dependance on Virat Kohli. While this has proven to be a myth in the context of the match, the 27-year old once again stepped into his big boy boots to smash yet aother half-century. He played second-fiddle to Rohit Sharma’s impressive batsmanship for the most part and stroked his way to a masterful 65, something that was compiled on a batting wicket that proved to be less friendly for the batsmen on the day.

Also read – Ranji Trophy 2016-17 Round 4, Day 3 Review

4. Hapless Kiwis wilt to the Amit Mishra stronghold

For the most part of their tour of India, the Kiwis have been accused of raising the white flag. This was the case yet again when they quickly capitulated to the inceadible bowling acumen of the Indian spinners. While all of the bowlers chipped-in with soem terrific bowling, it was the uncanny Amit Mishra who stood out as a performer on the day with a 5-wicket haul, one of the handful he has to his name in ODIs. In 6 overs, Mishra managed 5 wickets and conceded just the 18 runs as he did. Ross Taylor, James Neesham, and BJ Watling were among Mishra’s scalps on the day.

5. A win in India remains to be a taboo for Kiwis

Following the terrible loss, it is only safe to state that the Kiwis have once again raised the white flag on an Indian tour in a bilateral series. Earlier today, Tim Southee had stated his excitement to be the first New Zealand side to clinch a win but the fact that they were cleaned out for a paltry 79 illustrates and sums up the Indian tour quite nicely.

Also read – Push-up celebrations were not to disrespect opponents: Misbah-ul-Haq