It was a convincing win for India in the third ODI, as 285 looked cool in the end. It was largely due to MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. The way they batted made the target look easy, but that is not the case with such a score at any ground. India were in a spot of bother at 50 for two and it could have been difficult had Kohli’s catch been taken by Taylor. Nonetheless, ifs and buts don’t matter in the end.
I was happy to see Dhoni coming in at No 4. I have been harping on this for a while and hopefully, he will continue to do so. He has an enormous ability to hit boundaries and this puts pressure on the bowlers. It also makes batting look easy. With such quality on display and Kolhi at the other end, they never looked under pressure. If New Zealand have to come back in this series, they will have to get both early.
Kohli’s ODI performance is becoming breathtaking. To score 14 centuries in less than 60 games and win matches in the process is an enormous feat. His ability to hit on both sides of the wicket doesn’t allow bowlers to settle down. The only chance, if any, the bowler has is to bowl outside off stump. The only way to stop Kohli is to keep someone in a catching position all the time.
Amit Mishra is a bowler who has gone unnoticed this series. His deliveries to Taylor and Ronchi will make any leggie proud.
There are two matches to go and a lot to play for both sides. There will be dew in Ranchi. The question for New Zealand would be whether they can chase and play differently. But for that they have to win the toss. While India went in unchanged in the last two ODIs, Neesham was a good inclusion for the Black Caps. However, they have to get another spinner in at Ranchi. With the poor form of Guptill, Ronchi and Anderson, it isn’t easy.