Ravichandran Ashwin, former India spinner, expressed his admiration for New Zealand’s cricket setup, revealing he would be willing to pay just to observe their team meetings. Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, was impressed by how the Black Caps maximized their resources and remained competitive in the first ODI of the three-match series in Vadodara.
Despite a depleted New Zealand squad, the visitors put India under pressure while chasing 301. India appeared in control with Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer at the crease, but after Kohli’s dismissal on 93, the team faced a collapse. KL Rahul ensured India secured a six-ball victory with four wickets in hand.
Ashwin lauded New Zealand’s analytical approach and discipline, noting that many top cricket teams are not as methodical in their planning. “The way they execute their plans, I would pay to sit in their team meetings to understand how they go about it,” he said on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.
He also credited New Zealand for their resilience, adding that India did not play their best cricket in the opening ODI. Ashwin highlighted Harshit Rana’s notable performance but emphasized that the match showcased New Zealand’s ability to punch above their weight.
India now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0 and will face New Zealand again in the second ODI at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on January 14.