'This loss will sting'... This was the sentiment expressed by former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra on Sunday after New Zealand defeated Team India in the ODI series. In the decisive match held at Holkar Stadium, Indore, the Indian team led by Shubman Gill failed to chase a target of 338 runs. India lost the match by 41 runs and consequently lost the three-match ODI series 1–2.
India's Embarrassing Defeat Twice in 18 Months
This is the second time in a year and a half that New Zealand has made Indian cricket face reality. In 2024, New Zealand, led by Tom Latham, visited India and whitewashed them 3-0 in the Test series. This was a first in the history of New Zealand cricket.
That loss prompted significant changes in Indian cricket. Questions over the reputations of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin arose, leading to their retirement from the format shortly afterward. Now, 14 months later, New Zealand has done it again but this time in the ODI format.
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More Questions Will Arise Post This Loss
Losses in home series in Indian cricket rarely remain confined to the match. This loss will likely have greater implications, especially as India will not play any ODI matches for the next five months. This period provides ample time for introspection and decision-making.
Preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup are already underway. Naturally, attention will first fall on the senior players.
Who Will Bear the Brunt?
Virat Kohli appears secure for now. In the past three months, he has adapted his style of play to modern ODI cricket. However, the road does not seem as easy for Rohit Sharma.
Read more: Is Rohit Sharma retiring from ODIs? Questions arise post New Zealand flop show
India's current ODI team only has three players over 36 years old: Kohli, Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. While Kohli is secure, Sharma's illustrious career may work in his favor. Yet, Jadeja might face the axe.
Jadeja's Disappointing Series Performance
The statistics tell the story. Jadeja failed to take a single wicket in the entire series. It was the first time since 2017 that he went wicketless in three consecutive ODIs. His batting contribution was equally poor. In the decisive match, when Virat Kohli needed support from the other end, Jadeja played an unnecessary shot, losing his wicket. Surprisingly, lower-order batsman Harshit Rana outshone Jadeja with the bat.
Even Jadeja's strongest suit, fielding, showed decline. In the decisive match, he dropped an easy catch at point. Individually these may seem like minor errors, but collectively they narrate a tale of decline.
Read more: After Test and now ODI, another humiliating record in the Gambhir era... New Zealand ends a 37-year, 7 ODI series drought
Possible Alternatives
This series might mark the end of Jadeja's ODI career. On paper, his replacement might not be difficult. Both Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are available.
Will Questions Arise About Gautam Gambhir?
Last time New Zealand defeated India at home, all the blame was placed on the players. Gautam Gambhir was newly appointed coach then, with the team largely in Rahul Dravid's era. This time, dodging questions won't be easy.
Except for the Champions Trophy win, Gambhir's coaching record in ODIs and Tests hasn't been particularly impressive. This defeat follows closely on the heels of a whitewash against South Africa.
