There were 2 things that stopped short of making this an even more terrific series victory for India:
1) The series in question, was a One-Day Series, and not the pinnacle of cricketing skills and temperament called Test Cricket.
2) The Indian team was the host, and therefore, we need to deduct points that are always reserved exclusively for those hallowed victories outside of subcontinental shores.
So while we await good news pouring in from the time zones of South Africa, Australia, England, and New Zealand, we cannot blame the Indian team for exceling in home conditions.
It isn't our fault that we have been well-nigh invincible at home.
Any team that toured India earlier too, were always up against a formidable opponent in any Indian team of the last 20-25 years (at the very least).
So what's different now?
So, what is it that has changed now, which has made us so dominant and consistent?
The difference now, is that the magnitude, ruthlessness and consistency of victories that we have achieved over the years, across formats and over pretty much every team that has waded into Indian territory.
We have always retained a batting-heavy armory in our team, laden with precocious and sublime talents - be it the magical wrist-wizardry and exquisitely timed, surgically-placements of our batsmen or the brute power or nimble-footed mastery, destroying pace and spin attacks across the world, with aplomb.
The advent of wrist-spinners in Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, attacking and astute bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja, and X-factored talents such as Yorker-master Bumrah, Swing-King Bhuvi, Seam-Star Shami, and Ace of Pace Umesh Yadav - have all contributed to the current team having all its bases covered, across all opponents, on all terrains.
The thrilling victory over New Zealand yesterday was another case in point.
As written earlier, so what if it came at home, and was only a short ODI series?
The fact that it was earned well and in tightly contested, well-fought matches, is a testament to the quality of cricket and the level of sportsman spirit in which the series was played.
The Kiwis are by far, the nicest cricketers around.
Suffice to say, if I had to wish that any team win any major tournament apart from my obvious preference for my country's team (India), I would any day root for New Zealand and South Africa.
Together, they are the most liked and skilled teams around - in not just cricketing skills but also in their demeanor.
With a population of just about 5 million, New Zealand is a classic example of a country that has harnessed its human and natural resources in perhaps one of the most optimal manners possible.
Apart from being a developed nation, in sports itself, the country has always remained among the best and most competitive cricket-playing nations, it has been a champion at rugby, and has also done commendably at soccer and various Olympic-category sports.
More than anything else, it is the manner in which they approach the game, and always play with their likeable and gentlemanly approach, which makes them respected as well as endearing.
Here's to New Zealand, and more power to countries like you!!
Well done India, and dear New Zealand, there is no loser in this series, but more power and respect to you!
1) The series in question, was a One-Day Series, and not the pinnacle of cricketing skills and temperament called Test Cricket.
2) The Indian team was the host, and therefore, we need to deduct points that are always reserved exclusively for those hallowed victories outside of subcontinental shores.
So while we await good news pouring in from the time zones of South Africa, Australia, England, and New Zealand, we cannot blame the Indian team for exceling in home conditions.
It isn't our fault that we have been well-nigh invincible at home.
Any team that toured India earlier too, were always up against a formidable opponent in any Indian team of the last 20-25 years (at the very least).
So what's different now?
So, what is it that has changed now, which has made us so dominant and consistent?
The difference now, is that the magnitude, ruthlessness and consistency of victories that we have achieved over the years, across formats and over pretty much every team that has waded into Indian territory.
We have always retained a batting-heavy armory in our team, laden with precocious and sublime talents - be it the magical wrist-wizardry and exquisitely timed, surgically-placements of our batsmen or the brute power or nimble-footed mastery, destroying pace and spin attacks across the world, with aplomb.
The advent of wrist-spinners in Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, attacking and astute bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja, and X-factored talents such as Yorker-master Bumrah, Swing-King Bhuvi, Seam-Star Shami, and Ace of Pace Umesh Yadav - have all contributed to the current team having all its bases covered, across all opponents, on all terrains.
The thrilling victory over New Zealand yesterday was another case in point.
As written earlier, so what if it came at home, and was only a short ODI series?
The fact that it was earned well and in tightly contested, well-fought matches, is a testament to the quality of cricket and the level of sportsman spirit in which the series was played.
The Kiwis are by far, the nicest cricketers around.
Suffice to say, if I had to wish that any team win any major tournament apart from my obvious preference for my country's team (India), I would any day root for New Zealand and South Africa.
Together, they are the most liked and skilled teams around - in not just cricketing skills but also in their demeanor.
With a population of just about 5 million, New Zealand is a classic example of a country that has harnessed its human and natural resources in perhaps one of the most optimal manners possible.
Apart from being a developed nation, in sports itself, the country has always remained among the best and most competitive cricket-playing nations, it has been a champion at rugby, and has also done commendably at soccer and various Olympic-category sports.
More than anything else, it is the manner in which they approach the game, and always play with their likeable and gentlemanly approach, which makes them respected as well as endearing.
Here's to New Zealand, and more power to countries like you!!
Well done India, and dear New Zealand, there is no loser in this series, but more power and respect to you!
