India will take the momentum into the Twenty20 Internationals, believes VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman has eulogized India for their series victory against New Zealand and counted on developing more match-winners for the future by entrusting more responsibility in the T20Is. He has also added that India had worked out the success formula to evade collapse after early setbacks.
India had already won the series when they headed to Wellington. Yet in the absence of Kohli, they made the most of the opportunity to test their middle order by opting to bat first. The top order collapsed again, leaving India at 18/4 with the big guns already back in the hut. But Ambati Rayudu and Co, came to the rescue as India ended up scoring 252 runs in the first innings and emerged comfortably victorious.
In his column for the ToI, Laxman wrote, "Even though the series was already in the bag, it was pleasing to see Rohit Sharma challenge his batting unit and himself by opting to bat in testing conditions in the final ODI at Wellington. Like at Hamilton, however, the top-order was blown away by New Zealand's pacemen, but unlike in the fourth match, India recovered brilliantly through their middle-order.”
The former Indian middle-order batsman felt that it was important to keep wickets in hand while approaching such situations and it helped India get back into the game after the early setback. He had also hailed Rayudu for being watchful and acclaimed his ability to switch gears through the innings whenever necessary.
“He is so gifted, he can also change gears effortlessly. Vijay Shankar displayed excellent technique and great character in his first knock in ODI cricket, and his partnership with Rayudu set the base for some exhilarating late fireworks from the versatile Kedar and the ebullient Hardik Pandya," Laxman added.
After a successful outing in the ODIs, India is set to play 3 T20 Internationals against New Zealand. Laxman feels that Dinesh Karthik must bat at No.3 in Kohli’s absence and assigning challenging roles will add responsibility and would help in developing more match-winners.
“India will take the momentum from their Wellington win into the Twenty20 Internationals. I would like to see Dinesh Karthik bat at No. 3 in Virat's absence. It's important to entrust greater responsibility to DK, Rishabh Pant and Krunal Pandya. Rishabh has been in very good touch and Krunal caught the eye during the T20s in Australia, with ball and bat. They can both deliver the big blows at the death alongside the pedigreed Hardik, which is a welcome sign with the future in mind," he concluded.
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