India vs New Zealand 2016: 5 takeaways from the ODI series

With only around seven months to go before the 2017 Champions Trophy, every one of the eight ODIs that had been scheduled for India in the current home season assumed extra consequence in terms of identifying the areas to address for the ‘Men in Blue.’

MS Dhoni’s team were not in the best of form and needed a series victory to get their ODI fortunes back on track. Riding on run-machine Virat Kohli’s remarkable consistency as well as leg-spinner Amit Mishra’s wily spells at decisive stages, India secured a hard-fought 3-2 triumph over New Zealand.

Here are the five of the most significant takeaways from the action-packed ODI series.

#5 Everything comes from the top

Tom Latham and Kane Williamson had to shoulder most of the responsibility

Among the reasons for New Zealand losing the series was the lack of adequate output from the lower order. While Tom Latham and Kane Williamson continued to build on their experiences from the Tests, the rest of the batting lineup could not keep up the pace.

Batting first on these types of surfaces often presents a prickling dilemma regarding the sufficiency of a total. The Kiwis often got off to sturdy starts which allowed some leeway in the consolidation process. However, spectacular collapses such as 5/32, 7/38 and 6/46 during the first three matches respectively prevented them reaching the kind of totals that could have shored up their cause.

#4 MS Dhoni’s strike-rotation in focus

Dhoni‘s scoring areas were cleverly blocked by New Zealand

Usually accustomed to batting much lower down the order wherein he could control the pressure overs, Dhoni decided to promote himself to number four in a bid to maximize his output during the latter phase of his career. With the new batting position demanding subtle manipulation of the field and keeping the scoreboard ticking, he had to remodel his approach to a certain extent.

But, the seasoned campaigner did not look too convincing while maneuvering the middle-overs and often consumed quite a few deliveries early on which placed the side under significant pressure. Though he played a solid hand in the third ODI at Mohali, it was not quite vintage Dhoni on display.

#3 Visitors up for the scrap

The Blackcaps scrapped hard after undergoing a difficult Test series

Having suffered a 0-3 whitewash in the Test series, there were a few question marks surrounding New Zealand’s ability to put the losses behind and begin the ODIs on an even keel. The first match at Dharamsala added fuel to the fire as a limp display was underlined with a continuation of their batting woes.

However, the Kiwis showed their resilience in the second ODI by pulling the rug from under India’s feet on a sluggish surface in Delhi. Faced with the prospect of a must-win match to keep the series alive, they once again defended a below par total by operating as a pack in Ranchi. The visitors managed to salvage a couple of victories from what could have been a rather tumultuous tour.

#2 Mishra makes a huge statement

Mishra made a case for being among the first-choice spinners for ODIs

Amit Mishra’s career makes for a curious study. Despite making his first-class debut way back in the 2000/01 season, he has played only 20 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 8 T20Is. With a leg-spinner being a genuine wicket-taking option across formats, one wonders if the 33-year old has not been treated properly.

He finally got an opportunity as regular spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were rested in order to maintain their hunger ahead of the England series. Mishra seized upon the circumstances by showcasing his value as an attacking weapon. By picking up 15 wickets at an average of 14.33, the wrist-spinner gave a timely reminder to the selectors.

#1 Kohli to the rescue

Kohli took India past the finishing line almost single-handedly

Prior to this series, the previous occasion of India winning an ODI series on home soil came in November 2014 when Sri Lanka were brushed aside 5-0. From that period until now, their only series victories in the 50-overs format both home and away were against Zimbabwe. With their recent form notwithstanding, they knew that New Zealand were likely to pose a stiff challenge in the ODIs.

As always, the onus was on key man Virat Kohli who had to carry the batting lineup amidst his team-mates’ indifferent form. Following a breezy 85 in the opening match, the right-hander fell for just 9 in Delhi with the resultant loss showing his importance to the hosts.

After treating the Mohali crowd to another master class, he was prised out in Ranchi. During the decider, the 27-year old chipped in with a handy 76-ball 65 thus reiterating India’s extreme reliance on him.