5 hits and misses from the India-New Zealand ODI series

The ODI series turned out to be in stark contrast to the lop-sided Test series that had seen the Kiwis being completely outplayed in all three matches. A rejuvenated side found form against the hosts in the limited-overs, pushing the Indian batting line-up that looked too over-dependent on Virat Kohli. Yet, the final match showed that the Kiwis were still undercooked, unable to wrest the initiative when it mattered the most.

Here are the top five performers as well as five flops from the series: 

HIT –Virat Kohli

With 354 runs in five matches, Virat Kohli was the top run-getter from either side by a clear distance, with Tom Latham being the second best at 244 runs. The Indian Test team captain hit form with an unbeaten 85 in the first ODI, and followed it up with a sublime 154 at Mohali, his second highest score in ODIs, as well as his 26th ton in the format.

The overdependence on him put additional pressure on the Delhi-lad to perform in every match, with the team losing games in which he couldn’t rack up a huge score. His 65 in the final ODI proved to be a vital innings on a sluggish pitch. 

 

MISS – Ross Taylor
 

The biggest disappointment for the Kiwis throughout their stay in the country has been the pathetic form of their most experienced player. Uncertain foot movement against pacers, the inability to handle spinners and a loss in focus, all resulted in the 32-year old’s sorry run. It didn’t help that Brendon McCullum’s tirade at Taylor’s captaincy made news . He also had a horror time in the field, dropping important catches.