IND vs NZ: ‘Overconfident players’, Basit Ali blasts India after series loss to New Zealand

India’s recent Test series defeat against New Zealand has sparked criticism, with former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali pointing to “overconfidence” among Indian players and management. The three-match series saw India lose both the first Test by eight wickets and the second by 113 runs, ending their impressive home winning streak.

India entered the series on a high after a successful season, including a 4-1 series win over England and a 2-0 sweep against Bangladesh. Their strong position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings made them the favorites against New Zealand. But in the opening Test, India’s batting collapsed to just 46 runs in the first innings, ultimately losing the game in Bengaluru. In Pune, their batting struggles continued, leading to a second consecutive defeat.

Reflecting on the defeats, Basit Ali suggested that India underestimated New Zealand. 

“The match India won against Bangladesh in two days and New Zealand’s 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka may have given the team confidence, but this overconfidence cost them. New Zealand did their homework. They had nothing to lose," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Basit believes that few expected New Zealand to win, yet the Kiwis proved otherwise. 

“No one would have thought New Zealand could defeat India, not even the Kiwis themselves, but they prepared well,” he added.

Looking ahead, Basit Ali expressed concern over India’s decision to leave out experienced pacer Mohammed Shami for the upcoming Australia tour. Shami, currently working on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy, has not played since the ODI World Cup 2023. Ali suggested that Shami’s absence could be a setback for India, especially on Australia’s fast tracks.

“I am surprised why there is no Mohammed Shami in the squad for the Australia tour. You have put all the load on Bumrah,” Basit noted. 

“Arshdeep Singh could have added variety, being a left-arm seamer, but without Shami, India’s fast-bowling attack feels incomplete. India could face challenges in Australia where fast bowling is key," he concluded.