Key learnings from NZ's win in fourth ODI against India
What's the story
New Zealand thrashed India in the fourth ODI of the five-match series to pull one back. The star of the show was fast bowler Trent Boult, who picked up five wickets in a sensational spell. India were bowled out for just 92 runs in conditions that assisted swing. The Kiwis sealed the match by eight wickets with 212 balls to spare. Here're discussion points.
Dhoni
India missed the experience of Dhoni big time
India missed someone experienced in the middle order. MS Dhoni, in particular, was needed to clam the situation after India lost quick wickets. He often thrives in the situations when the chips are down. In 2017, India were in a similar situation against Sri Lanka, before Dhoni bailed the side out. Against Australia earlier this month, Dhoni pressed safety button after India were 4/3.
Issues
India have issues against swing bowling
Last year, India went on to lose the series against England 2-1 in conditions that offered something for the pacers. After winning the first three ODIs on flat tracks, India's problem against swing bowling was exposed against New Zealand. Several Indian batsmen gifted their wickets. Players like Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik are prime examples. Boult charged in and foxed the Indian batsmen.
Rayudu
Can Rayudu be trusted for the World Cup?
Ambati Rayudu wasted a glorious opportunity to show his worth. With Kohli and Dhoni missing, it was a chance for him to seal the number four position in the World Cup squad. After showing improvement in the earlier matches, the player played a rash shot when his team was in trouble. The question here is that can India trust him for the World Cup?
Boult
Trent Boult is a master of swing bowling
Boult was in top gear in the ICC World Cup 2015 and with the event being held in England and Wales this time, he could thrive once again. He is the best in business when it comes to conditions that assist swing and today was his day. Boult could keep New Zealand in the hunt at the World Cup. He is an extraordinary talent.