India vs New Zealand: Former players react after Kohli's men lose Test series

Virat Kohlis India were whitewashed 0-2 by New Zealand — Virat Kohli's India were whitewashed 0-2 by New Zealand

Bengaluru, March 2: Former India players on Monday (March 2) questioned Virat Kohli-led side's tactics after the team were humbled 0-2 in the Test series in New Zealand.

After going down by 10 wickets in the opener in Wellington, India lost the second Test in Christchurch by seven wickets inside three days on Monday (March 2).

Although this was the first Test series whitewash for India in eight years, they weren't spared the heat by some ex-cricketers.

Many former players including the likes of Bishan Singh Bedi, VVS Laxman and Sanjay Manjrekar reacted on social media after Virat Kohli and co were completely dominated by the Black Caps.

How does one explain complete Kiwi dominance over No1 Test team..?!! Am struggling to press the right button..could someone pl help without being abusive or atrociously unkind to any individual..?!!Meanwhile let’s praise NZ fr cool & calculated commitment..& staying Calm/Humble!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) March 2, 2020

Bedi: Explain how no.1 team can be dominated

"How does one explain complete Kiwi dominance over No 1 Test team? I am struggling to press the right button. Could someone please help without being abusive or atrociously unkind to any individual?," Bedi tweeted.

"Meanwhile, let's praise NZ for cool and calculated commitment and staying calm/humble," he added.

Many congratulations to the @BLACKCAPS on beating India and winning the Test series comprehensively. India couldn't show the discipline required to stick it out and will be deeply disappointed. #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/znJZHLr8Kx
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 2, 2020

Laxman: India lacked discipline

Laxman felt India were not disciplined enough in the series.

"Many congratulations to the @BLACKCAPS on beating India and winning the Test series comprehensively. India couldn't show the discipline required to stick it out and will be deeply disappointed," Laxman tweeted.

India under Kohli competed in most Tests overseas....but this series was different. India only participated. Batting and the inability to dismiss NZ’s lower-order let India down. #NZvInd
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 2, 2020

Aakash Chopra: Kohli's team didn't compete

Former India opener Aakash Chopra said Kohli's team did not even compete in the series, unlike the tours of England and South Africa in 2018.

"India under Kohli competed in most Tests overseas....but this series was different. India only participated. Batting and the inability to dismiss NZ's lower-order let India down," said Chopra.

Learnings for India - Need swing bowlers who pitch the ball up more than seam bowlers who hit the deck in NZ & the quest to find batsmen who can cope with swinging conditions must continue. Remember Ind 5/3? WC semis? Again swinging conditions, same opposition.#indvnz
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 2, 2020

Manjrekar: Inability to dismiss tail cost us

Batting and the inability to dismiss the tail quickly hurt India the most. In a Q and A session on Twitter, former batsman Manjrekar had a word of advice for the national team.

"Trying too hard to get the tail out? Best to stick with normal plans that you have for top order. Tail Enders now are not so easy to dismiss with a bouncer followed by a Yorker," he said.

India played just one warm-up game before the Test series but Manjrekar said away tours are not all about planning.

"It's not just about planning. It's about making the best with what you have. Indian conditions throw up certain kind of players with certain instincts and styles. Go to NZ you have to reinvent yourself. So it will be a constant testing of players as to who can do that," he said.

On learnings for India in the series, Manjrekar added: "Need swing bowlers who pitch the ball up more than seam bowlers who hit the deck in NZ & the quest to find batsmen who can cope with swinging conditions must continue. Remember Ind 5/3? WC semis? Again swinging conditions, same opposition."

Outclassed & out played.India were very poor & what hurts the most is the lack of fight.. Mainly from our batter's. Are we really as good as the WC points table shows.Great teams win outside their domain and against good teams. Time for some introspection.#NZvsIND #disappointed
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) March 2, 2020

Badani: Outclassed and out-played

Hemang Badani felt India were completely outplayed by the home side.

"Outclassed & out played.India were very poor & what hurts the most is the lack of fight.. Mainly from our batter's. Are we really as good as the WC points table shows.Great teams win outside their domain and against good teams. Time for some introspection," Badani posted.