The third ODI between India and New Zealand ended without a result. However, the game could have easily gone New Zealand’s way if not for a streetsmart trick by Shikhar Dhawan. Here, we take a look at the reason why Yuzvendra Chahal did not bowl against New Zealand in the final ODI
Yuzvendra Chahal did not bowl for an interesting reason
Yuzvendra Chahal is an attacking spinner in the Indian Team. He has proven on various occasions that he is the perfect fit for the middle overs in both ODI and T20Is. However, interestingly, the spinner did not get the ball in the third ODI against the Kiwis. This is despite India desperately needing wickets. Chahal was neither injured nor did he have any illness issues.
Before the 20th over of New Zealand’s chase, the sky had become dark and the rain was inevitable. New Zealand had gained a good start in the game and they were set to win the match. Even if the game went as per DLS, the Kiwis would have won. However, 20 overs had to be completed in each inning for that. If Chahal had been brought into the attack, he would have taken a shorter time to complete the overs. Hence, Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik were given a return and this slowed down the game. By then, the rain arrived and both teams settled for an NR because New Zealand batted only for 18 overs.
You just don't appreciate the genius of Shikhar Dhawan…my man didn't give chahal the bowl, in pursuit went on with fast bowlers, delayed the 20 over benchmark required to force the result, with rain inevitable!
— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) November 30, 2022
Indian bowlers have to become more penetrative going forward
Meanwhile, just like the semis of the T20 World Cup 2022, Indian bowlers did not have a great time in the third ODI. Yes, the batters had failed but the bowlers did not give India the chance.
Going forward, more wicket-taking bowlers have to be in the Indian Team. This is the only way that the men in blue can win trophies consistently,
