Indian opening week in NZ was a test of recovery as well, apart from cricket. The team had just 40 days to get ready after the Asian Games in Japan and then a five-match series against West Indies before they embarked on another tour. They were landed on October 20, trained on the 21st and were in action on the 22nd.
Gautam Gambhir said the team’s reaction was outstanding as they had to adapt to the diverse weather, conditions and ground surface. The first three T20Is were played with a ruthless approach and the Indians came out with 3 victories to take the series, before the final 2 were to be played.
It was far from easy for the first few wins. India had to chase 226 in the first game and were saved by Shreyas Iyer who scored 42 runs in 68 balls before Naman Dhir hit the ball with his feet flying for 42 off 15 balls. In the second, India were 70 for five chasing 188 but Tilak Varma, Dhir and Nitish Reddy sealed the victory. The third game saw another successful chase as India got to 199 for 6 in 13.2 overs.
The side had aimed to secure all five victories but highlighted that the first results were particularly significant in the light of the limited preparation time, Gambhir said. He commended the players for taking pressure on board, and not letting the circumstances or schedule be an excuse.
The tour also served as a reminder of the importance of delegating responsibility to young players in anticipation of the next World Cup, the coach said. He applauded Iyer’s leadership in a bowling attack of inexperienced players and said that to the captains, it was important for their players to perform well.
Iyer was handed a T20 team which had won the World Cup and won two consecutive series. Teaming up with India since then, they have been testing new players in various formats. Iyer has taken that transition very gracefully, said Gambhir, including on a tough New Zealand tour.
India would eventually win the series 3-2. The highlight of Gambhir’s career was the speed with which the team got on the scoreboard after a hectic international campaign.