India in New Zealand – ODIs in the bag, time for the real Tests

What a scintillating performance by India! Having put the T20 defeats behind them, Dhoni’s men went on to register India’s first ever ODI series win in New Zealand. All credit goes to the batsmen of course, who took full advantage of some pretty good pitches, small boundaries and mediocre bowling.

Virender Sehwag took ‘hitting’ to another level, as he plundered the hapless bowlers over the boundaries with regular ease. Tim Southee, Ian O’Brien, Jacob Oram, Ewan Thompson and Kyle Mills were left with serious self-doubts and forgettable bowling figures.

Sachin Tendulkar took a couple of games to find his touch. But with his 163 at Christchurch, proved for the umpteenth time, why he still remains a force to reckon with. Moreover, the batting debacles in the T20s and the final ODI, showed the value of his experience, and the possible effects of his absence.

Just about all the batsmen contributed their bit. However, the bowlers were quite disappointing. Munaf Patel was especially pathetic, absolute lack of intensity or focus. He has a very good opportunity to cement his position as the 3rd seamer, but his lackdaisical attitude will not give the captain any confidence.

The sides will now focus on the tests. A lot is being made of the return of the test specialists, Dravid and Laxman. Of course they will play a key role. But, my gut feel says the openers will decide India’s batting fate in the series. Sehwag has already gotten under the skin of the Kiwi bowlers. Gambhir has been scratchy, but will play the important steadying role at the top of the innings. Hopefully, Tendulkar will be fit enough to play all the tests.

The other important factor for India will be the performance of the 3rd seamer. Zaheer and Ishant will need serious backup support to ensure that the pressure is maintained. Munaf might still get the nod for the 1st match and based on that show, Dhoni may decide for the following games.

The Indians know better than to underestimate the Kiwis. Jesse Ryder has already shown how dangerous he can be. Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill are both extremely talented and can play critical roles. James Franklin will do the all-rounder's job that Oram did so well on India's last tour. And their bowlers are just the right kind to exploit seaming conditions.

But overall, India must and will focus on their strengths, and ensure that they play with their heads on their shoulders. Reading the pitch will be absolutely critical and so will shot selection. If India do the basics right, they should be able to win at least 2 matches (if the weather holds). But the last time India won 2 consecutive tests in a series was against Sri Lanka at home in 2005. We saw how they gave away the advantage in South Africa. Do they have the mental strength and determination to win 2 out of 3 test matches? I think they do.