3 Areas Of Concern For Team India Ahead Of 3rd Test Vs New Zealand

Anurag Dasgupta

Rohit Sharma struggled Vs NZ [Source: PTI]Rohit Sharma struggled Vs NZ [Source: PTI]

Perhaps Team India were a bit overconfident heading into the Test series Vs New Zealand, and it showcased in their playing style as the Kiwis inflicted a series defeat and have taken a 2-0 lead in the series, with a game still to go.

Everyone expected India to cruise past New Zealand, the same team which got thrashed by the Sri Lankan, earlier this month. However, the tables turned as the Indian side became a victim and were outplayed by a better side in the first two Tests.

With a dead rubber to be played in Wankhede from November 1, India still have plenty to achieve in the match. A win will strengthen their position in the WTC points table as India are still the favourites to reach the finals. However, there are a couple of areas of concern for the Rohit Sharma led side.

3) Indian batters' spin woes

Mitch Santner ran riot as the Kiwi spinner picked up 13 wickets in the match and sealed the win for the Kiwis. To say that India struggled to dictate terms against him won't be an understatement. Almost all the batters looked clueless against Santner as the likes of Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli were bamboozled with utmost ease.

With a must-win clash starting on November 1, India need to sort out their spin woes. By no means they can head into the 3rd Test with a defensive mindset against the spinners. Maybe the seniors can learn a thing or two from a young Yashasvi Jaiswal and adapt a proactive approach.

2) Indian spinners' shocking performance needs to be improved

When was the last time a visitor spinner came to the Indian shores and outplayed the great R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja? That's exactly what happened in the Pune Test when Mitch Santner and part-time spinner, Glenn Phillips outplayed the Indian spin veterans.

For India to win the Mumbai Test, the spinners need to regroup and produce a better performance. No way they can head to the 3rd Test undercooked. New Zealand are a brilliant tactical team and they will expose the spinners if they aren't at their 100 percent.

1) Pacers need to pick more wickets

When was the last time Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless in a Test match? This is exactly what happened in the Pune Test as the Kiwi batters played him with caution and didn't allow the seamer to dictate terms.

Even Akash Deep looked lacklustre as the New Zealand batters played the pacers with utmost ease and piled on a big score which eventually led to India's loss.

The Wankhede surface may assist the pacers a bit more and hence the seamers need to be at their absolute best if India are to win the match.