Ashwin Slams India's 'Flat' Performance After Historic ODI Series Defeat
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has delivered a sharp critique of the national team's performance. This comes after New Zealand secured their first-ever ODI series victory on Indian soil. Ashwin described India's response to the challenge as "a bit flat" during a recent discussion.
New Zealand's Landmark Series Victory
The Michael Bracewell-led New Zealand side achieved a significant milestone. They toured India without several of their regular players yet managed to clinch the series 2-1. Contributions from key players like Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips proved crucial. The visitors recovered impressively after losing the opening match.
In the decisive third ODI, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 337 for 8 after being asked to bat first. India's chase began disastrously, collapsing to 71 for 4. However, partnerships involving Virat Kohli, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana revived hopes. Kohli's brilliant 124 off 108 balls kept India in contention. Despite this effort, New Zealand struck at critical moments to secure a 41-run victory and seal the series.
Ashwin's Blunt Assessment on His YouTube Show
Speaking on his popular YouTube show 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin offered a frank perspective. He suggested this series defeat might soon fade from public memory due to upcoming tournaments. "Everything will be forgotten now. There is the T20 World Cup and the IPL now," Ashwin remarked. He explained that results in these events would dictate the narrative.
Ashwin made a striking claim about the series outcome. "In my books, New Zealand won the series 5-0. They won two but threatened to win one more too, so it was actually a sweep," he stated. This comment underscores his view of New Zealand's dominance throughout the contest.
Concerns Over India's Response Under Pressure
The veteran spinner expressed uncertainty about whether preparation or readiness issues caused the problems. However, he felt India's response under pressure was clearly lacking. "I thought if India even plays their B or C teams, they can beat sides. I am a little worried now that this has nothing to do with the team's quality," Ashwin admitted.
He elaborated on his observation from outside the team environment. "Looking from the outside, I think the Indian team's response has been a bit flat. That response is not there," Ashwin said. He recalled India's historical ability to find ways under pressure, noting this habit seemed absent. "I just felt that the response felt flat, and that was disappointing. I do not think we put them under pressure. We played very soft cricket," he concluded.
Key Moments from the Final ODI
The final match featured outstanding individual performances. Daryl Mitchell remained unbeaten on 137, while Glenn Phillips scored 106. Their massive 219-run partnership rescued New Zealand from a precarious 58 for 3. Indian bowlers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh managed three wickets each, but could not prevent the big total.
India's chase saw an 88-run stand between Kohli and Reddy, followed by a 99-run partnership between Kohli and Rana. Once Kohli departed, the innings unraveled quickly. India was bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, handing New Zealand their historic series win.
This defeat adds to India's recent struggles against New Zealand. It comes just over a year after New Zealand handed India a 3-0 Test series defeat at home in 2024. That was India's first Test series loss on home soil in twelve years.
