Former cricketer's scathing verdict highlights deeper concerns after India lose ODI series vs NZ

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came down heavily on Team India following their unexpected ODI series defeat to New Zealand at home, calling the team’s approach “very soft cricket.” India, who had entered the series as firm favourites, were outplayed in crucial moments despite individual performances standing out across matches. 

Ashwin was particularly critical of the way India allowed the series to slip after winning the opening game. He felt the side failed to assert dominance when it mattered most, allowing New Zealand to dictate terms with both bat and ball. 

"Everything will be forgotten now. There is the T20 World Cup and the IPL now. So, if the environment is there, things will go accordingly. We all know this. But if the T20 World Cup does not go well and people do not perform in the IPL too, there will be pressure on them. But if everything goes well, this series will be forgotten. In my books, New Zealand won the series 5-0. They won two but threatened to win one more too, so it was actually a sweep," said Ravichandran Ashwin on Aish ki Baat. 

I do not think we put them under pressure: Ravichandran Ashwin

The former cricketer also spoke about how worried he is for the team because India's response wasn't appropriate throughout the series. Except for Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana, there was nothing positive in the series and that is a huge disadvantage for the team. He mentioned that India played 'very soft cricket' in the series. 

"I thought if India even plays their B or C teams, they can beat sides. I am a little worried now that this has nothing to do with the team's quality. Looking from the outside, I think the Indian team's response has been a bit flat. That response is not there. Always, when the team has been put under pressure, the Indian team has found ways in the past and has shown that habit. I just felt that the response felt flat, and that was disappointing. I do not think we put them under pressure. We played very soft cricket," he added.

Where to watch IND vs NZ matches?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand matches from January 21 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

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