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India's recent series loss to New Zealand in their own backyard has shocked the cricketing world. This defeat wasn't simply a case of being outplayed; it was a self-inflicted wound that exposed the vulnerabilities within the Indian team. The article aptly uses literary metaphors to illustrate the team's downfall, comparing their dominance to an emperor's empty clothes, a façade that ultimately crumbles. This defeat, it suggests, is a stark reminder that even the most powerful entities can succumb to their own weaknesses.
One of the most striking observations is India's over-reliance on spin bowling, particularly on home pitches. While this strategy has yielded success in the past, it has become a crutch, hindering the team's adaptability and exposing its limitations against quality pace attacks. The author points out that the Indian team, despite having a world-class fast bowler like Jasprit Bumrah, shies away from preparing seamer-friendly pitches, revealing a lack of confidence in their own batsmen against quality pace bowling. This reliance on spin, despite proven vulnerability, ultimately contributed to their downfall.
The article further highlights the shortcomings within the Indian batting lineup, particularly the lack of experience and confidence in handling spin-friendly conditions. It emphasizes that the team's reliance on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, despite their declining form, reveals a dearth of dependable batsmen capable of consistently performing under pressure. The article points out that the team's strategy, revolving around the assumption that visiting batsmen would be inept against spin, backfired against New Zealand, who showcased superior discipline and application, particularly when under pressure.
The article concludes with a poignant reminder that empires, like winning streaks, cannot endure forever. It emphasizes that India's reliance on familiar strategies and a lack of evolution has ultimately led to this fall from grace. The article, however, remains optimistic, highlighting India's inherent passion for cricket and its ability to bounce back. The message is clear: while the current situation may seem bleak, it presents an opportunity for regeneration and re-evaluation, paving the way for a stronger and more adaptable Indian cricket team.
Source: Why India has no one but itself to blame for the series loss against New Zealand