India vs New Zealand 2016: 5 takeaways from the ODI series

#1 Kohli to the rescue

Kohli took India past the finishing line almost single-handedly

Prior to this series, the previous occasion of India winning an ODI series on home soil came in November 2014 when Sri Lanka were brushed aside 5-0. From that period until now, their only series victories in the 50-overs format both home and away were against Zimbabwe. With their recent form notwithstanding, they knew that New Zealand were likely to pose a stiff challenge in the ODIs.

As always, the onus was on key man Virat Kohli who had to carry the batting lineup amidst his team-mates’ indifferent form. Following a breezy 85 in the opening match, the right-hander fell for just 9 in Delhi with the resultant loss showing his importance to the hosts.

After treating the Mohali crowd to another master class, he was prised out in Ranchi. During the decider, the 27-year old chipped in with a handy 76-ball 65 thus reiterating India’s extreme reliance on him.