IND vs NZ: Kiwi polish raises a lot of questions about Indian team selection and strategy

There's a lot to unpack in Indian cricket right now as both selection policies and team performance have come under the scanner and drawing strong opinions.

Sarfaraz Khan being compared to a legend like Javed Miandad by a commentator like Sanjay Manjrekar is nothing but a laughable matter. Moving on from experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara -- thanks to chief selector Ajit Agarkar -- was considered a bold move but with the team undergoing tough losses, as against New Zealand, things are not rosy for the selectors.

As for Gambhir, his intense focus on a "winning dressing room" might be getting challenged with recent outcomes, putting pressure on him to rejuvenate the team's morale and strategy. It'll be interesting to see if the team rethinks its approach to selection and if rising stars can eventually break into the Test squad.

The possibility of a 5-0 loss to New Zealand could have happened if there were five Tests and just how pressing India's issues are, especially as they head to Australia. With Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin - stalwarts of Indian cricket under scrutiny, a lot hinges on India's performances in the next few months. Their potential exit from the World Test Championship final slot would mark a profound shift, with younger players likely needing to step up quickly. Australia will be an intense test for both the veterans and the team's broader strategy, and it seems that a lot of fans and analysts are bracing for major changes if India doesn't make it to the WTC final.

The early collapse in the first Test certainly set the tone, though, similar setbacks haven't stopped India in the past, like the historic 2021 Gabba win. The spin-friendly pitch decision also adds a layer of complexity - if it truly wasn't the players' choice, it suggests some misalignment in strategy. It's a reminder of the importance of player feedback in home conditions, where typically, the advantage should favor India. This experience may push the team to recalibrate their approach to pitch preparation and strategizing together, especially in such crucial series.

It's revealing that Rishabh Pant stands out for his commitment at the crease while others seem to struggle with the same intent or confidence. If players are hesitant to take quick singles with Kohli - after his series of run-out - it speaks of a level of pressure or hesitation that might be impacting the team's overall rhythm and cohesiveness in batting.

This kind of tension can really affect partnerships and the flow of an innings, and it's an area that may need attention if India is to build a resilient batting lineup for the future. What's the remedy? The team for BGT is already announced and God only knows how India will defend the title there!