‘They finally committing to playing…’ – Michael Vaughan reacts to India’s approach as they whitewash New Zealand in ODIs

The batting performances of in-form openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill against New Zealand on Tuesday were greatly appreciated by former England captain Michael Vaughan. India captain Rohit broke his century drought in the third and final ODI of the bilateral series as the hosts amassed an enormous total of 385 in Indore on Tuesday.

During the series, Gill continued his excellent run and slammed another century against the Black Caps. After the hosts destroyed the Kiwi bowlers in Indore, former England captain Michael Vaughan made a key remark on Twitter.

“India finally committing to playing One day cricket the aggressive way makes them Red hot favorites to win the men’s World Cup this year .. #INDvNZ,” Vaughan wrote on Twitter.

India finally committing to playing One day cricket the aggressive way makes them Red hot favourites to win the men’s World Cup this year .. #INDvNZ

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 24, 2023

Vaughan’s tweet was quickly followed by New Zealand’s comeback in the high-scoring match. “You posted this tweet and India lost 4 wickets,” a fan responded on Vaughan’s post, which became the talking point on social media.

Shubman Gill awarded the Man of the Series award

In the third ODI between India and New Zealand, Rohit struck 101 runs off 85 balls and Gill added 112 off 78 balls to establish an opening partnership of 212 runs in just over 26 overs. India were soon reduced to 293-5 in 38.4 overs after Rohit and Gill departed. Virat Kohli (36), Ishan Kishan (17), and Suryakumar Yadav (14) were unable to capitalize on their early starts.

Allrounder Hardik Pandya played an important knock for the hosts, as he smashed a magnificent half-century to help India post a huge total. Pandya’s entertaining knock of 54 off 38 deliveries towards the end helped India get past the 380-run mark. Pandya also took the vital wicket of New Zealand opener Finn Allen in the first over after giving the game’s finishing flourish with the bat.

Shardul Thakur was awarded the Player of the Match award as he took three crucial wickets of Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips. He gave away 45 runs in his spell of six overs. Gill was awarded the Player of the Series as he scored 360 runs in the three-match ODI series, which is the joint-highest score for a three-match series along with Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.