India captain Shreyas Iyer reflected on the team's dominant bowling performance in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which concluded with a 22-run victory at Bay Oval.
At Bay Oval on November 15, India claimed the five-match ODI series 3-1 with a 22-run victory over New Zealand. The hosts managed 187 in 48.1 overs while India posted 209 in 42.1 overs, with Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel each contributing 46 runs. Shreyas Iyer scored 22 as the team's bowling unit proved decisive in securing the series triumph.
The India captain reflected on the contest and highlighted the standout contribution of the bowling attack throughout the five-match campaign. According to Iyer, the series was defined by exceptional bowling performances rather than batting dominance from either side.
"It was a series for bowlers, not for batters. Everyone stood up to the occasion," Iyer was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
What was India's bowling strategy?
Arshdeep Singh earned Player of the Match honours for his three-wicket haul that cost 30 runs. The pacer's performance exemplified India's bowling strategy throughout the series, where tight bowling from one end combined with wicket-taking opportunities from the other proved effective.
Iyer elaborated on the bowling approach that proved successful across the five matches. He explained how the seamers executed their plans consistently and how partnerships between bowlers created the conditions for success.
"I stuck with the plan of seamers and wickets kept coming. When bowlers bowled in partnerships, you bowl tight from one end and pick wicket from the other," Iyer said.
The India captain also reflected on his experience leading the team in the ODI format. Iyer described the captaincy challenge as both demanding and rewarding, noting the fluctuating nature of the series.
"I enjoyed leading in ODI. Challenging, exhausting… there was a period where the game went slow. That's how you gauge the pace. Exciting. One win, one loss, 50-50!" Iyer said.
India's path to the series victory included a significant setback in the fourth ODI, where the team was bowled out for 89. Iyer acknowledged that loss but emphasised the team's ability to move forward quickly.
"We forgot about the fourth ODI loss the next day. Matt Henry was bowling gas… he was lethal. We accepted and moved on," Iyer said.
Looking ahead to India's tour of South Africa, Iyer acknowledged the different challenges that lay ahead. He noted that conditions in South Africa would differ significantly from those encountered in New Zealand, where bowling-friendly pitches dominated the series.
"You never know what will happen in South Africa. Weather will be different. Batting didn't happen from both teams… wicket was for bowlers. Most important is to win series and we won," Iyer said.
The series victory marked India's third ODI series win in New Zealand, following their successes in 2009 and the 2018-19 season. The team's bowling-centric approach proved decisive in securing the 3-1 margin.