India v New Zealand, 2nd ODI: India player ratings

The second ODI between India and New Zealand finally saw the visitors get their name up in lights following a narrow 6-run win in Delhi. While this is most definitely a shock to the systems as far as the Indian fans are concerned, it was a very good and a very entertaining game of cricket for one and all present. However, as far as the Indians were concerned, it was a case of being so close yet so far as they conceded a narrow loss. While the tail wagged, it was clear that a few things did not go to plan as far as the Indians were concerned. That said, we take a quick look at how the Indians fared in the second ODI.

Ajinkya Rahane – 5/10

The Indian opener was not in his element and seemed quite shaky while batting. In spite of the fact that the Mumbaikar playing a few delightful shots, it seems quite clear that he seemed quite off the pace. Needless to say, apart from dropping a few half chances, he managed 28 runs.

Rohit Sharma – 4/10

Having been promoted back into the opening position in the batting order, Rohit Sharma smashed an impressive six over the bowlers head. However, his innings did not last long as he was soon dismissed by some impressive bowling from Tim Southee.

Virat Kohli – 3.5/10

A rare bad performance from the vice-captain was part of the reason for India’s loss in the match. He treated his home fans to an impressive cover-drive before being dismissed to an extremely poor delivery from Mitchell Santner.

Manish Pandey – 4/10

The 27-year old once again began his innings by stamping some authority with a few shots to the fence. However, he failed to make anything more of his innings when he was dismissed after falling a few inches short of his ground after scoring 19 runs.

MS Dhoni – 5/10

The Indian skipper clearly seemed to be off the pace as this was one of the few batting opportunities he received. His finishing attributes have clearly diminished over time as he failed to help his side cross the line.

Also read – Bowled well in the last 20-25 overs to restrict them to 240: MS Dhoni

Kedar Jadhav – 6.5/10

One of the few bright sparks of the Indian batting unit was Kedar Jadhav. The 31-year old showed some intent whilst batting when he smashed a few massive hits into the stands. However, the risk seemed to be rather overwhelming as he was dismissed a few deliveries later after scoring an impressive 41. He also picked up the one wicket.

Axar Patel – 6/10

Apart from a decent bowling performance, Axar Patel proved to be quite a handful for the New Zealand bowlers with the bat. He assisted MS Dhoni and played second fiddle for the most part of this innings including a six. However, the target seemed quite elusive for the youngster as he attempted one big shot too many.

Hardik Pandya – 6.5/10

Hardik Pandya was one of the most impressive batsmen on the day. In spite of not being able to get the wicket he so deserved, Pandya impressed with some hard hitting towards the end of the innings. His quickfire 36 saw the Indians come within 6 runs of the New Zealand target.

Also read – India v New Zealand, 2nd ODI – Statistical Highlights

Amit Mishra – 5.5/10

This was one of the few terrible days as far as Amit Mishra was concerned in spite of picking up three wickets. The leg-spinner failed to make much of an impact with the ball and also with the bat and will be hoping to make amends for the same in the upcoming encounter.

Umesh Yadav – 6.5/10

The 27-year old Indian pacer got the Indians off to a fantastic start when he cleaned up Martin Guptill in just the second delivery of the match. Moreover, he was involved in India’s last-ditch partnership with Hardik Pandya as the duo made a futile attempt to chase down the New Zealand score.

Also read – Fake Fb wall: Gautam Gambhir rates Umesh Yadav as the best finisher

Jasprit Bumrah – 7/10

The 23-year old pacer was quite easily India’s player of the match with some impressive death bowling. He picked three wickets in the match including two wickets at the death to help the Indians restrict their opponents to a score under 250 runs.