IND vs NZ: India assistant coach urges spinners to improve after Rajkot ODI defeat

India assistant coach wants spinners to step up after Rajkot ODI loss to New Zealand.

India’s bowling came under scrutiny following their seven-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the second ODI at Rajkot, which allowed the visitors to level the three-match series 1-1. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that the spinners needed to perform better, particularly in the middle overs.

“We probably want to bowl a little better than we did tonight,” ten Doeschate said. “Particular spinners, about lengths. We’ll review those in detail. But it’s never just one reason for losing a game; multiple factors contributed.”

The defeat was highlighted by Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131, which anchored New Zealand’s chase of 285. Mitchell targeted India’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, preventing him from settling and exposing weaknesses in the spin department. Kuldeep conceded 82 runs in his 10 overs, picking up just one wicket, while Ravindra Jadeja went wicketless despite conceding only 44 runs from eight overs.

India initially struck early, removing both openers to leave New Zealand at 46 for 2. However, loose deliveries and conservative field placements allowed Mitchell and Will Young to take control. The match ended with Mitchell executing a scoop to the boundary, sealing the win and raising questions about India’s spin strategy in Bumrah’s absence.

Ten Doeschate emphasized that India’s loss was a collective failure, underlining the need for sharper execution from the bowling unit moving forward.