India vs New Zealand 2017: 5 areas India need to improve on

In what can be termed as an upset, the Indian team was stunned by a spirited New Zealand side in Mumbai. Despite Kohli being at his prolific best, the hosts came second in the first ODI.

There were a few grey areas which need to be resolved if India harbour any ambitions to stage a comeback in the second ODI in Pune.

Here in this article, we take a look at 5 possible tweaks the team could make in their approach come the second and third ODIs.

#5 Looking for wickets during the middle overs

After a bright start with the ball during the New Zealand innings, India allowed Ross Taylor and Tom Latham to settle down and stitch a partnership which eventually took the game away from the Indians.

This is where Kohli needs to step up and look for wickets and not allow the game to meander out of control. He has to mix and match his bowlers and set more proactive fields to exert pressure on the Kiwis who have found out a way to manage and manoeuvre the tried and tested set-plans.

#4 Dinesh Karthik should bat at number 4

Person best suited to bat at number 4

There is plenty to like about Kedar Jadhav, but he is not a number 4 batsman. The management has been trying to give him opportunities at that position, but so far there has not been any success.

On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik, who is making his comeback into the setup looked to be in good touch at number 5 and thus could be best suited to walk in at number 4.

He has the ability to not only absorb the pressure if early wickets fall, but also can keep the scoreboard moving right throughout the innings. Also, Karthik can pull out his strokes towards the latter end of the innings, which makes him a perfect fit at the number 4 position.

#3 Kedar Jadhav should bowl

Jadhav can be mighty effective with the ball

For some uncanny reasons, for reasons best known to almost no one, Jadhav has always managed to pick up wickets with his rather inconspicuous bowling style.

Hence, it was bewildering when Kohli did not toss the bowl to him during the first ODI, more so because Jadhav's bowling heroics started during New Zealand's previous trip to India last year.

With Jadhav bowling, it also provides Kohli an opportunity to mix and match his options and not be too mundane with his tactics at any point during the course of innings.

He has picked up 16 wickets in 17 innings and by no means is a slouch with the ball. Thus, an option which needs to be explored!

#2 Introduction of spin in the powerplays

Chahal can bowl with the new ball

India now have the services of two wrist spinners who are match-winners in their own rights. Thus, Kohli should not be shy of throwing them into the bowling attack during the powerplays.

Also, with more fielders in the circle during the initial overs, the batsmen might be tempted to go for their strokes, a ploy which could well work in the favour of the Indian team.

This can also have an element of surprise and might catch the Kiwis by surprise. One needs to sprinkle in surprising facets to upset the set plans of the opposition.

#1 Opening batsmen should be prudent against the new ball

Should be watchful against the new ball

Despite the brilliance of Virat Kohli, India were short by almost 20-30 runs, something which was acknowledged by the captain himself.

This was primarily due to the fact that the openers were blown away by an inspired Trent Boult during the opening burst. Not taking anything away from Boult, but the Indian batting lacked application and they played one rash stroke too many and gifted their wickets away to him.

Hence, the innings was always in a state of repair and thus it could never take off and the eventual score was just about par on a good surface.

A definite lesson learnt one that should be taken into the second match.