Breaching Bastions: Will Young and New Zealand's Extraordinary Series Victory in India

Will Young’s exuberance is palpable as he reflects on New Zealand’s remarkable 3-0 series win in India. Just 24 hours after being named Player of the Series, Young is still processing the enormity of their achievement. “We’re still celebrating,” he admits with a grin, recalling the team’s post-match celebrations. From bus journeys filled with music to staying in team rooms, the joy is unrestrained. “It went past bedtime,” he chuckles, a rare moment of light-heartedness that contrasts with his usually measured, thoughtful demeanor.

This series victory is unprecedented for New Zealand, as they became the first team to whitewash India on their home soil. The significance of this win is amplified for Young, whose cricketing journey has been anything but conventional. While many players of his caliber break onto the scene early, Young, at 31, has taken the long road, continually improving while biding his time for a breakthrough. He had been to India on numerous ‘A’ tours and camps, but this series was his moment of reckoning.

Young’s steady 48 in Bengaluru set the tone, and by the time he scored twin fifties in Mumbai, his defensive approach and consistency had earned widespread admiration. “I didn’t think I’d win the Player of the Series,” Young admits, reflecting on his series performance. “There were incredible performances from both teams—hundreds, big wickets, superstar names—but I guess it was an award for consistency.”

With a total of 460 balls faced, Young’s resilience stood out, as he weathered the toughest conditions with a calm and focused approach. His role was crucial in maintaining partnerships, ensuring New Zealand didn’t lose wickets in clusters. Though he didn’t score a century, his contributions helped others thrive, and the overall impact of his batting was undeniable.

Young’s preparation for the subcontinent conditions had been meticulous. Back home in New Zealand, he worked tirelessly on his game, preparing for the turning pitches he would face in India. “We try our best to emulate what we’ll face in the subcontinent,” he says, acknowledging the difficulty of replicating the exact conditions. “We’ve got a wicket in Hawke’s Bay that we use to prepare for spinning conditions. It’s not ideal, but it’s the best we can do.”

Despite not being a regular fixture in the playing XI for much of his career, Young’s persistence paid off. He learned to embrace the grind, finding motivation in the preparation rather than the outcome. “It’s a long career with ups and downs, but at the end of the day, if you focus on improving and holding yourself accountable, that’s what keeps you going,” he reflects.

Young's journey mirrors that of many of New Zealand’s players, all of whom brought their unique preparation methods to the series. While Young focused on technical aspects and consistency, his teammates, like Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, used different approaches, whether it was specialized training camps or honing specific skills.

For Young, the key to success in India was understanding how to read the situation and adapt. He recalls discussing with teammates the importance of identifying the right field placements and taking risks when necessary. Against world-class bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, this adaptability became vital for New Zealand’s success.

“I think the key is to not chase stats or success,” Young reflects on the bigger picture. “If you get too focused on that, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. You have to focus on the controllables—the small things that make a difference—and that helps keep you sane.”

In an era where statistics often overshadow the subtleties of the game, Young's philosophy is a reminder that cricket is as much about preparation, patience, and adaptability as it is about scoring runs. His journey to this moment has been long, but it has led to one of the most memorable series victories in New Zealand’s cricketing history.