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If you went to bed thinking India’s score of 285 runs was a winning total, you weren't the only one. Even the legendary Sunil Gavaskar is rubbing his eyes in disbelief today.
After watching the 2nd ODI, Gavaskar admitted he was genuinely surprised—not just that India lost, but by how easily New Zealand chased down the target. There was no panic, no collapse, just a clinical performance that took the game away from the Men in Blue.
"I Expected the Pitch to Turn"
Speaking to broadcasters post-match, the 'Little Master' explained his logic. Looking at the pitch conditions, he felt the track would slow down significantly in the second innings. He was expecting the Indian spinners to dominate and the ball to grip the surface.
"I am surprised," Gavaskar said candidly. "With 285 on the board, I thought India would easily defend it. I expected us to restrict them to around 260 because of the slow nature of the pitch."
What Actually Happened?
Instead of struggling, the New Zealand batters looked completely at home. Gavaskar pointed out that the expected turn and variable bounce didn't trouble the Kiwis as much as everyone predicted.
He had high praise for the New Zealand partnership (specifically Daryl Mitchell) that anchored the innings. He noted that they didn't just hit boundaries; they ran hard between the wickets, turning ones into twos, which put the pressure right back on the Indian fielders.
"A Wake-Up Call"
For Indian fans, Gavaskar’s shock mirrors our own. Usually, 280+ on a turning track in India is a nightmare for visiting teams. The fact that New Zealand chased it down without breaking a sweat shows they have done their homework.
With the series now hanging in the balance, this "easy" defeat is a tough pill to swallow. As Gavaskar hints, if we can't defend 285 on our own turf, we need to ask some hard questions before the next game.
Read More: Sunil Gavaskar is Stunned I Thought India Had This Match in the Bag
