Former player Mohammad Kaif criticized India's team selection approach ahead of matches against New Zealand

The Indian team won the five-match T20 series against New Zealand with a score of 3-2. Although the Indian team lost the fifth and final match, which took place at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday (November 1st), the celebration of the victory took an unusual turn.

During the trophy presentation ceremony after the match, India's captain Shreyas Iyer accepted the trophy but then passed it to the young all-rounder Naman Dheer. Following this, the entire team took joint photographs with the trophy, and Iyer's gesture caused a wide resonance.

The 26-year-old Naman Dheer effectively utilized the opportunities given to him in this series. This all-rounder from Mumbai Indians (MI) made a significant contribution to India's game by batting in the lower order. He became the second-highest run-scorer for the Indian team in this T20 series.

Although Naman Dheer did not get many opportunities to play as a bowler, his batting successes attracted the attention of the team management. He managed to demonstrate his usefulness even with experienced players like Shivam Dube present.

This approach by Shreyas Iyer recalls the traditions established by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill. These captains previously allowed young players the opportunity to celebrate the victory with the trophy. It should be noted that Dhoni was the one who started the tradition of passing the trophy to young players, and subsequent Indian captains continued this practice.

India already gained an undeniable advantage in the series. Despite New Zealand managing to achieve their goal in the fifth match by stopping India at 191/8, they could not win the series, and this moment became unforgettable for Naman Dheer during India's victory celebration.

In the second thrilling T20 match between India and New Zealand, the Indian team secured a convincing four-wicket victory, increasing their advantage in the five-match series to 2-0. This match was held at the Hagley Oval stadium in Christchurch.

New Zealand started the game by scoring 180 runs in 20 overs, losing five wickets. When the Indian team came out, they faced a situation where they were consecutively losing batsmen, and it seemed the match was slipping away from them. However, eventually, the young Indian players managed to save the team.

After the early departure of key players, lower-order batsmen took responsibility and helped the team overcome difficulties. Following this tense victory, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer openly shared his thoughts. Iyer admitted that when there was a series of losses, he felt the match was getting out of control.

However, after that, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy demonstrated incredible determination and changed the course of the game. Furthermore, he highly praised the small but very effective innings of Naman Dheer. Discussing Naman Dheer's versatility, Iyer mentioned seeing him during the series against West India at home. He noted that Naman is an excellent bowler, and when a player contributes both with the bat and with the ball, it brings a special energy to the team.

Iyer also complimented New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bresshaw, noting that their play in the middle overs and control of the game made scoring difficult. He added that they played several dot balls at the beginning, which increased the pressure on the pace of the game. Nevertheless, in the end, Nitish and Tilak managed to withstand this pressure and led the team to victory.

Despite India gaining a comfortable 2-0 lead in the series, Iyer emphasized that it was too early to celebrate. He stated that the work was not finished, indicating the Indian team's desire to maintain its momentum in upcoming matches to completely win the series.

Due to a muscle injury sustained during a game, vice-captain and batsman Ishan Kishan has been dropped from the Indian squad for not only the second but also the third T20 match against New Zealand.

The third match of this five-match series between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Fans were expecting Kishan's return as he was in excellent form.

The injury, which is a low-grade adductor strain in his right lower leg, was sustained by Ishan Kishan on October 22 during the first match of the series in Christchurch. The 28-year-old was advised to take a break to prevent further damage. Kumar Kushagra has been included in his place in the team.

Meanwhile, the players are ready for the second match of the series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. India captain Shreyas Iyer decided to start the game with a coin toss and opt for bowling first. The Indian team aims to maintain its winning streak, having achieved an impressive target of 226 runs in the first T20 match.

In the first match, Sandeep Samson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 67 runs off just 33 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer added 42 runs. Following this, young Naman Dheer secured a brilliant victory for the team, scoring 42 runs off only 15 balls without getting out.

Despite Kishan's absence, the Indian team, which currently leads the series 1-0, is fully prepared to continue its winning run. At the same time, the host side, New Zealand, will make every effort to return to the game.