Taking stock, I think we lost it when we took things lightly in Bengaluru, made stupid decisions and got bowled out for 46. The team have been trying for this big swinging counterpunch ever since and failed every step when it was clear NZ were ready and anticipating our every move.
Virat and Rohit should get the series in Australia. If we win enough to make it to the WTC finals, they can be there till then. Else, they should be dropped for the very next series after that. The problem is we have no succession plan in place with all of Rahul, Pant, Bumrah, SKY, Hardik tried in that role and no one really owning it, esp. in test cricket. The long term plan seems to have Gill as the all format captain and I am fine with that. But he will be a step down from even Virat as our main batsman and that is something we will have to live with. Hopefully, either Bumrah or even Ashwin can step up in the meantime, for a year or so, while we get Gill or Pant ready for long format captaincy. Ideally we have Hardik leading us in the white ball formats and Pant in the tests and neither playing the other formats.
I wont blame our bowling too much except for the fact that they seemed to deviate from bowling good balls consistently to trying to produce the magic balls every over. Given the scores we put up batting, its understandable but given their experience and expertise, its not excusable. I wish GG and Rohit sit down and have a honest conversation on how they want this side to move forward. Under Rohit, every time we have been in close positions, its obvious the team seems to have the weight of the world on their shoulders. We got a bit lucky in the T20 WC finals but its obvious we need someone who can ease that pressure to them somewhat and also be stern when needed. Feel this is where Shaz and Virat were at their best and what we miss most right now. I wont still write off Gambhir based on one series when he is so new to this role, but its obvious Rohit's captaincy was always vastly vastly overrated in our circles, even in this forum. Hopefully, he cools down and has a rethink on how he handles situations and comes up with some gameplans that actually make sense than just give away easy singles to your best bowlers on tracks where they are getting assistance.
