It was a good comeback by New Zealand in the second ODI. The target of 242 they set was not huge. They defended exceptionally well, that too, at the small Kotla ground. They must have been disappointed after being restricted to that many from 204/3 around the 40th over.
Hardik Pandya looked good in Thursday’s game with his all-round abilities and with time, he will learn to close out games. India should at times think of moving him up the order. Also, MS Dhoni needs to look at the way he is batting. He is putting too much pressure on himself and probably, should go out in the middle to bat the way he is capable of, the way we know he can. Anil Kumble could have a word with him and give him that freedom. Maybe, Kedar Jadhav or Manish Pandey could do the rotational job with him.
New Zealand fielded the right combination and it showed in their bowling. Trent Boult was exceptional on that surface and he should have been there earlier, for his ability to move the ball. India could not get a firm grip on the chase as they kept losing wickets.
India shouldn’t reflect too much into this loss. They are the better side. Mohali should be a good surface, where the ball moves around a bit and also comes on to the bat. Once again, fielding first will be the right option keeping the dew factor in mind. It’s one-all at the moment and without being a fortune teller, one can say that India surely look a better side.