Ravi Shastri reveals reasons for India’s ODI, Test whitewashes in New Zealand
What went wrong to India in New Zealand where they were whitewashed in two series? Head coach Ravi Shastri has spoken about the debacles
FollowBengaluru: India head coach Ravi Shastri has explained the reasons for India’s twin whitewashes during their recent tour to New Zealand.
As Indian cricketers and rest of the country remains indoors due to the 21-day coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, Shastri spoke to former England captains Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain and former English batsman Rob Key on Sky Sports.
Watch: Anushka Sharma gives 'beautiful haircut' to Virat Kohli
On the Sky Sports podcast, Shastri admitted that Indian players had mental fatigue which resulted in them losing 0-3 in the ODI series and 0-2 in Tests, both clean sweeps.
“I could see from the New Zealand series that the cracks were coming with mental fatigue and fitness. The amount of cricket we have played over the last 10 months was beginning to take its toll,” Shastri opined.
Also read: Indian batting fails in New Zealand Test
“Guys like me and some of the support staff left India on May 23 for the World Cup and have been home for just 10-11 days. Imagine the toll it has taken on players who play all three forms and all the travel involved with that. It has been tough,” he added.
India are the No. 1 ranked side in the world in Test cricket. They are also on top of the ICC World Test Championship table.
Also read: New Zealand complete 3-0 whitewash over India
After the New Zealand tour, India returned home to play a three-ODI series against South Africa. However, after the opening game was washed out in Dharamsala, the series was called off due to coronavirus.
The players now wait for a decision on the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020). It has been deferred till April 15.
