5 reasons why New Zealand did not perform to potential

#1 Ravichandran Ashwin’s masterclass

Ravi Ashwin was at the heart of the Kiwi downfall

Possibly the single man behind the mass destruction of the Kiwi batsmen in this series, Ashwin picked up 27 wickets in the series, bamboozling the batsmen with his guile, turn, flight and drift. He was simply unplayable. In spite of New Zealand having just two left-handers in their top seven in the first two Tests, Ashwin wreaked havoc.

That Ashwin won his seventh Man of the Series award in 14 series is testimony to this man's contribution in India's race to the helm of the Test rankings. His second innings 7/59 at Indore and match haul of 13 wickets would go down as one of the best performances by an Indian bowler.

Importantly, Ashwin tied down New Zealand's best batsman, their pillar and captain, Kane Williamson. His consistent lines and variations accounted for Williamson's wicket each time he walked to the crease. His only significant contribution in the series was a 75 at Kanpur in the first innings.

Ashwin ensured he won over the New Zealand skipper each time. That it dealt a psychological blow to the New Zealand middle order, searching for an anchor to bat around, is the backdrop against which this series win was compiled.