Ravichandran Ashwin on IND vs NZ debacle: Lower-order runs were gold dust and we missed it
What happened in the IND vs NZ match?
India lost the second Test against New Zealand by 7 wickets in Mumbai.
The defeat handed India their first Test series loss at home since 2012.
The hosts had won the first Test in Kanpur by 372 runs.
What did Ravichandran Ashwin say about the defeat?
Ravichandran Ashwin said that India missed the runs from the lower order, which could have proved crucial in the match.
"The lower-order runs were gold dust and we missed it," Ashwin said.
"We needed those runs to put pressure on New Zealand, and we didn't get them."
Why were lower-order runs so important in this match?
The lower-order batsmen can often make a significant contribution to the team's total, especially in Test cricket.
They can help to build partnerships and add valuable runs to the board.
In this match, India's lower-order batsmen could not make a significant contribution, which put added pressure on the top-order batsmen.
What can India do to improve their performance in the next match?
Ashwin said that India need to improve their batting and fielding if they want to win the next match and level the series.
"We need to bat better and field better," Ashwin said.
"We need to take our chances and make the most of the opportunities we get."
Conclusion
India will be looking to bounce back in the third and final Test, which will be played in Indore from March 1-5.
The series is currently level at 1-1, so the winner of the third Test will take the series.
