IND vs NZ: “Can’t Play in T20 Mode in Fifty Overs”- Shreyas Iyer’s Take On India’s Conservative Batting Approach in 1st ODI

IND vs NZ: The first ODI against New Zealand didn’t go as expected, and India suffered a 7-wicket loss at Eden Park. Despite scoring a total of over 300 runs, the Indian bowlers couldn’t defend it, and New Zealand chased it down quite comfortably in the end. In the first innings, India made 306/7 in their 50 overs. The hosts reached the target with 17 balls to spare, largely due to an incredible fourth-wicket partnership between skipper Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.

Both batters added an unbeaten 221 runs in just 174 balls to seal the deal for the home team. Williamson was unlucky to miss his century and was not out at 94 off 98 balls. On the other hand, Latham didn’t let any Indian bowler settle down and played shots to all parts. He scored a 76-ball century and registered the highest individual score by a Kiwi against India in an ODI. The left-hander made 145 runs from 104 balls, including 19 fours and five sixes.

IND vs NZ: “Can’t T20 mode straightaway in fifty overs” – Shreyas Iyer

Also from India, there was good batting. Especially from Shreyas Iyer, who continued his hot streak with his sixth 50-plus score in the last eight innings. He scored 80 runs off 76 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. Shubman Gill (50) and Shikhar Dhawan (72) also scored half centuries, but all went in vain.

However, there were some who questioned the slow approach of the Indian team during the first ODI. When asked about India’s approach to Shreyas Iyer after the game, he said that T20 and ODI are completely different ball games and that no one can play T20 in ODI cricket. He said,

“We can’t play in the T20 mode straightaway in fifty overs because there is more time. One can plan his batting by looking at the wicket and deciding in his mind what a par score would be. One needs to adapt. Fifty overs can change from time to time. Sometimes there can be sunset, there can be dew at other times.”

Furthermore, the Indian star also lauded the New Zealand pair of Williamson and Latham. He said that their partnership was the moment when the game changed. Iyer also mentioned Latham and said that he came in with the mindset of building partnerships and that Williamson knew how to compliment him. Now both teams will lock horns in the second ODI game on Sunday at Seddon Park, Hamilton. One more loss for India will be a series loss. Notably, India hasn’t won against New Zealand in their last five ODIs.