'India Were Overconfident, Their Batting Got Exposed': Former Pakistan Cricketer’s Warning to Rohit Sharma’s Team
After New Zealand's 0-2 whitewash against Sri Lanka, many expected India to win comfortably, but New Zealand’s victory in Bengaluru—marking their first win in India in 36 years—followed by a second win in Pune to claim their first-ever series victory on Indian soil, proved otherwise.
Following India’s recent and unexpected home series defeat against New Zealand, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali attributed the loss to India’s "overconfidence" and warned of potential struggles in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. India’s defeat, which marked their first home series loss in 12 years, ended a record-breaking 18-series winning streak dating back to 2013. After New Zealand's 0-2 whitewash against Sri Lanka, many expected India to win comfortably, but New Zealand’s victory in Bengaluru—marking their first win in India in 36 years—followed by a second win in Pune to claim their first-ever series victory on Indian soil, proved otherwise.
Basit Ali suggested that India’s focus was skewed toward their impending Test series against Australia, leading them to underestimate New Zealand. He noted that India’s dominance against Bangladesh, which included wrapping up a match in Kanpur within two days, and New Zealand’s recent losses to Sri Lanka might have lulled the Indian team into a false sense of security. New Zealand, however, came prepared and exploited India's weaknesses in both pace and spin. Basit pointed out that in the Bengaluru Test, Kiwi pacers claimed 17 wickets, while New Zealand’s spinners took 19 in Pune, revealing gaps in India's batting.
Ali criticized the Indian selectors for omitting seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami from the Australia squad, placing increased pressure on Jasprit Bumrah. Ali suggested that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could have been included to add variety to India’s bowling lineup, further stating that India’s fast-bowling depth seems incomplete without Shami. He expressed concern that this imbalance could cause problems in Australia, where fast bowling will be crucial for success.
While Shami remains out of the Australia squad, he could still be selected if he proves his fitness in Bengal’s upcoming Ranji Trophy matches against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Basit Ali’s analysis and advice serve as a stark reminder of the challenges India might face if they do not make strategic adjustments and maintain focus.
