The IND vs NZ ODI series concluded with a historic win for the Kiwis. Coming to the subcontinent with a second-string side led by Michael Bracewell, the Blackcaps scripted history by winning their first-ever ODI series in India.
The Men in Blue won the opener but were dealt a blow after key all-rounder Washington Sundar got ruled out with a lower rib injury. The Kiwis then bounced back stronger in the second match to level the series scoreline at 1-1 before a dominating performance in the series decider to outclass the hosts.
The former India skipper once again dominated the ODI format and finished as India’s top performer. He was India’s highest run-scorer in the series with 240 runs in three games, averaging 80. He scored a 93 in the first ODI and played a key role in the win while slamming a 124 in the decider to keep India’s chances alive deep into the contest.
The wicketkeeper-batter ranks second best in India player ratings for the New Zealand series. Rahul averaged at an impressive 142 from three matches, courtesy of his unbeaten 112* in the second ODI, which ultimately went in vain as the Kiwis chased down the target set by India. Behind the stumps, KL Rahul took three catches.
The Indian ODI skipper was on the lookout for a revamped showing after his recent string of subpar performances during the previous Proteas series which saw him getting dropped for the T20 World Cup 2026. Nevertheless, Gill turned up with a goal, and he slammed consecutive fifties in the first two ODIs. However, he failed to step up in the decider when Indian needed him the most, which gets him a rating of 5/10.
The India all-rounder had a decent show with the bat, including a fifty under pressure in the series finale but failed to deliver the goods with the ball, returning wicketless from the 10 overs he bowled.
Returning after a hiatus due to a spleen injury back in October last year during the Australia tour, Iyer did not look his best against the Kiwis. After a 49 in the first match, he managed scores of just 8 and 3 in the next two games.
Rohit Sharma entered the year as the No.1 ODI batter but could not repeat his heroics against the Blackcaps. With 61 runs at an average of 20.33, Rohit’s future will be under the spotlight as India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup next.
After Virat Kohli, Harshit Rana was the next best performer for India. He ended as the highest wicket-taker for India with six wickets from three games while also stepping up with the bat by slamming his maiden international fifty – establishing himself as a complete package.
ALSO READ:
The dynamic left-hander had a forgetful series where he couldn’t perform with the bat or ball or at fielding. With the bat, he averaged just 14.33 while going wicketless when bowling. To put context to Jadeja’s struggles, he has taken just 1 wicket in last five ODIs, with his last fifty in the format coming back in 2020 and his last ODI half-century on home soil happening back in 2013. Furthermore, he missed two runout opportunities in the second IND vs NZ ODI which were unthinkable in his prime.
A genuine weapon in the Indian bowling attack, Kuldeep too failed to weave his magic. The left-arm spinner failed to contain runs, going at an economy of 7.28 while managing only three wickets at an unimpressive average of 60.66.
Mohammed Siraj did not have the best of series after managing three wickets in the three games. The Indian pacer will need to find a way to find his rhythm back in 50-over format if he has to seal a spot for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
After waiting on the sidelines, Arshdeep Singh featured in the final ODI. Although he went for runs, going at an economy of 6.30, he was amongst wickets and snared three three scalps from the only game he featured.
Prasidh Krishna was preferred over Arshdeep in the first two games but could not impress much, returning with three scalps, at an average of 36.33.
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
