IND vs NZ: Five takeaways as India clean sweep series 3-0 – India began their new era under head coach Rahul Dravid in fine fashion as they clinched a convincing 3-0win at home. With Rohit Sharma now at the helm, India began their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2022, and many came out with flying colours as the selectors and the team management scramble for options. The series saw some high level of cricket from India, while New Zealand who arrived3 days after playing a draining World Cup final, failed to put up a fight in either of the games.
Here is Insidesport.in looking at 5 key points that India covered in their 3-0 series sweep of New Zealand.
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IND vs NZ: Five takeaways as India begin T20 World Cup 2022 preparations with 3-0 clean sweep
1. Venkatesh Iyer’s potential to replace Hardik Pandya
The form, fitness and inclusion of Hardik Pandya in the T20 World Cup created enough controversy and as the Baroda all-rounder continues to remain out of form, Venkatesh Iyer has chipped in, showing a glimpse of his talent. The KKR star batted in all three games, but it was only during the last game did that Venkatesh have the chance to make his mark. He did so with a 25-run cameo, before finishing with figures of 1/12, something Hardik hasn’t been able to do.
2. Harshal Patel – death overs bowling partner
Harshal Patel, IPL 2021’s Purple cap winner has emerged as a fine seam bowling option in the middle and death overs. Patel’s ability to price out wickets and decide the matters with slower deliveries makes him a very dangerous customer. Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur struggled in that role during the T20 World Cup, and Rahul Dravid’s eye for specialists could very well place Harshal in the scheme of things in the longer run.
IND vs NZ: Five takeaways as India begin T20 World Cup 2022 preparations with 3-0 clean sweep
3. Lower order contribution in batting – Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar add depth
India have long struggled for batting depth and their inability to get some valuable runs from the tail. However, Deepak Chahar and Harshal Patel showed glimpses that they could solve the conundrum with cameos in the 3rd T20I. Having not batted in the first two games, Harshal Patel and Deepak Chahar scored a combined 39 runs in just 19 deliveries to power India past 180. With Ravi Ashwin also in the ranks, India now can bat deep and be more expressive up front.
4. Ashwin & Axar new spin combination
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel enjoyed great success in the Test series against England, and the dup have now replicated the performance in the T20Is. Ashwin and Axar Patel combined for seven wickets in three games, with a combined economy rate of less than 6. The spin twins have a good rapport having played together for Delhi Capitals, and have now translated it on the international scene as well.
5. Rohit-Rahul’s assurance to players for places
The series against New Zealand saw India give rest to some of their A-Listers as they look to bounce back from the T20 World Cup debacle. However, the new leadership duo of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have assured the players that they will not be dropped from their plans due to rest, irrespective of the players performing well in their absence. The backing adds to the confidence of the squad, which was somewhat lacking under the previous team management.
IND vs NZ: Five takeaways as India begin T20 World Cup 2022 preparations with 3-0 clean sweep
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