Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed deep admiration for New Zealand's team planning. He stated he would gladly pay to observe their strategy sessions. This praise comes after a thrilling first ODI in Vadodara where a less experienced New Zealand side pushed India hard.
New Zealand's Fighting Spirit Impresses Ashwin
The BlackCaps, fielding a second-string team with only a quarter of India's collective experience, posted a competitive 300 runs. They nearly defended the total, with India clinching victory only in the 49th over thanks to KL Rahul's unbeaten knock. Ashwin highlighted this resilience on his YouTube channel.
"We must give credit to New Zealand for the way they were ready to fight," Ashwin remarked. "They didn't stop till the end. That's why they came back into the game." He noted that while New Zealand may lack man-to-man strength, their discipline, sharp fielding, and precise plan execution allow them to compete with top teams.
A Willingness to Pay for Insight
Ashwin's fascination with New Zealand's methods is profound. "A lot of top teams aren't very analytically driven. New Zealand is a very analytically driven side," he explained. He expressed a strong desire to learn from their process.
"I hope to sit down with them and observe their planning. I am even willing to pay money for it if needed," Ashwin said. "The way they execute their plans, I would pay to sit in their team meetings to understand how they go about it."
Context of New Zealand's Recent Success
This analytical prowess is not new. In 2024, New Zealand hammered India at home, securing a landmark 3-0 whitewash in Tests. That series marked the beginning of a transition phase for the Indian Test team. The recent ODI performance in Vadodara further underscores New Zealand's strategic consistency.
Ashwin's Analysis of the Vadodara ODI
Despite India's win, Ashwin believed New Zealand played better cricket overall. "The most impressive was the New Zealand team. India didn't play the best of cricket," he observed. He did acknowledge positive contributions from the Indian camp.
He praised all-rounder Harshit Rana for bowling and batting well in key moments. Ashwin also lauded Virat Kohli's masterful 93-run innings. "What batting! His movements and footwork were exceptional," he said, describing a particular shot against bowler Kristian Clarke where Kohli showed all three stumps yet flicked the ball for a boundary.
Ashwin's comments highlight a growing appreciation for data-driven strategy in modern cricket. New Zealand's ability to challenge stronger opponents with meticulous planning continues to earn respect from peers and legends alike.
