“I think there were lots of positives from this ODI series,” former India coach Ravi Shastri praises Indian youngsters despite series defeat against NZ

India lost 1-0 against New Zealand in the recently concluded One Day International series as the decider match got abandoned due to rain at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. While the Indian cricket team had a very subpar series, former India coach Ravi Shastri feels that the team has learned a lot from this series. And there were plenty of positives.

He felt that the conditions in New Zealand were challenging and the youngsters did well even though the result dont show for it. While the second and third ODI got washed away, the Kiwis chased down 307 runs in the first ODIin Auckland as Tom Latham scored a brilliant century. He stitched a massive partnership with captain Kane Williamson to steer New Zealand home without much problem and courtesy of that win they won the series aswell.

Shastri highlighted Shreyas Iyer’s contributions and also back Suryakumar Yadav to come good in this format aswell. He was also impressed by Washington Sundar and Umran Malik. “I think a lot of positives came from this one-day series,” he said. “Shreyas Iyer getting runs in a couple of matches, willing to stay there and willing to go through the tough period. Suryakumar of course has the potential, has the talent, and he will deliver,” Shastri said in an interaction with Prime Video after the third ODI got washed up.

“Washington Sundar, I thought was very good. And even Umran Malik, I like the way he bowled. There’s potential there. If he can persevere, it will be very good,” he added.

Iyer scored 129 runs and he was India’s highest scorer in this series. While there were sparks of brilliance here and there, the Indian team succumbed under pressure and could only score 219 in the final ODI. The hosts looked in cruise control on a tough pitch as they were already 104-1 from 18 overs. Fin Allen departed scoring a brisk half century while Williamson and Conway were still at the crease.

Shastri just felt that the youngsters held themselves nicely and did well in tough conditions and hence there are positives. He even praised Shubman Gill for the starts and believes it was a great exposure trip for the younger boys. “All around, there was very positive Shubman Gill at the start of the innings,” he continued. “These conditions are tough, you don’t get these conditions often, and you don’t travel to New Zealand that often. So I think for young cricketers to come here and get this kind of exposure is excellent. The weather and the ground dimensions need to be taken into account,” the former India coach signed off.

India will immediately face Bangladesh away from home in a three match ODI series starting from December 4. The senior batters including KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to the team in this series. Rohit Sharma will be back leading the side as they return from resat following the T20 World Cup in Australia.