In slightly more than a month, Team India has already been a part of three limited-overs series, two T20Is against Sri Lanka and New Zealand and a three-match ODI series versus Australia. They will now quickly shift focus towards the three-match 50-over format versus New Zealand following their historic five-match series whitewash over the Black Caps on Sunday (February 02).
Even in 2019, the Men in Blue’s calendar comprised three ODIs versus Australia, a limited-overs tour of New Zealand, five ODIs against the Men in Yellow, IPL 2019, 50-over World Cup, full-fledged Windies tour and home series, including the likes of South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies.
Hence, Indian skipper Virat Kohli had questioned the hectic schedule of the Indian cricket team ahead of the five T20Is versus the Kiwis. After the conclusion of the series, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul followed suit and stated in the post-match conference, “Every month we have been playing so many games. It is hard on the body so we have been working hard, to stay mentally and physically fit to keep putting up performances like this.”
India became the first-ever side to complete a five-match T20I series whitewash after the fifth and final match of the series was won by the visitors by 7 runs. Batting first, India rode on stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma’s 41-ball 60, being he was retired hurt for injuring his calf, to amass 163 for 3. Thus, KL Rahul took over the leadership role during Kiwis’ run-chase, who faltered from 116 for 3 to be restricted for 156 for 9 in 20 overs.
