New Zealand vs India 2020: 5 players who under-performed in the Test series

The Indian team suffered one of their biggest defeats in recent times when they were whitewashed by New Zealand in the two-match Test series.

The visitors went into the series on the back of an unbeaten run in the World Test Championship and were expected to win the series against the struggling New Zealand side that faced a heavy defeat against arch-rivals Australia. But the Kiwis showed immense character and emerged victorious.

Talking about India's performance in the series, it was a collective failure from the entire team. While the batsmen failed to cope with the hostile Kiwi pace bowling, the bowlers, who have been India's strength in the past couple of years, could not get rid of the hosts' batsmen early enough.

It was quite evident that the Indian team was undone by the bowler-friendly conditions that were on offer. The batting unit struggled to put up substantial totals in both the matches, and that put the team on the backfoot.

There were a few individuals who were expected to deliver the goods but failed to live up to the expectations. The poor performance of these players was a major reason for India's defeat.

Here are five players who under-performed in the Test series against New Zealand.

#5 Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane

After a lean couple of years in 2017 and 2018, Ajinkya Rahane came back strongly last year. The Indian vice-captain averaged 71.33 in 2019 and was expected to continue his good form in 2020 as well.

Moreover, Rahane is known for his ability to play in bowler-friendly conditions and has produced some gritty innings in England and South Africa in the past.

However, he managed to score just 91 runs in 4 innings against New Zealand and looked completely out of sorts, especially in the second Test. A lot more was expected from an experienced campaigner like Rahane.

#4 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant

The Indian team management showed a lot of faith in Rishabh Pant by picking him in the playing XI ahead of Wriddhiman Saha. Pant's explosive batting down the order and his ability to counter-attack went in his favour while taking the decision.

Unfortunately however, Pant did not have the best of series with the bat. The wicket-keeper batsman scored just 60 runs at a paltry average of 15.

He was once again irresponsible at the crease, playing false shots and giving away his wicket quite cheaply. It will be interesting to see if India persist with Pant after his poor display.

#3 Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

Mohammad Shami has been exceptional for Team India over the last couple of years. The speedster has been among the pick of the bowlers, bagging 80 wickets since the start of 2018.

Considering his form and the conditions in New Zealand, Shami was expected to rattle the Kiwi batsmen. However, except for his four-wicket haul in the first innings of the first Test, Shami proved ineffective.

He took five wickets in the series and was nowhere near his best.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is arguably the best fast bowler in the world across formats. Bumrah's immaculate line and length have earned him big rewards, and he has been unplayable at times.

He did not have the best of ODI series as he failed to pick up wickets. And his drought continued in the Test series too as he ended with just six wickets in four innings - two of which came in the second innings of the second Test when India were on the cusp of defeat.

If India want to bounce back in the World Test Championship, Bumrah will need to step up.

#1 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has led India fantastically in the World Test Championship both as a batsman and as a skipper. He has been the major reason behind India's success in the Championship, and a lot was expected from him against New Zealand.

However, the Kiwi pacers made life difficult for Kohli as they strangled him for runs by bowling either outside the off-stump or short. The right-hander fell prey to this strategy and failed in both the Tests.

Kohli's average of 9.50 was his second-worst in any Test series.