Martin Guptill Wary Of India Ahead Of The Second ODI And Not Counting Them Out

In the past few months, the Indian team has found itself in positions where they have to win two matches on the bounce to save a three-match series. The visitors will find themselves in a similar spot on Saturday for the second ODI against New Zealand as they would take the field in Auckland in a bid to save the three-match ODI series. Kiwi opening batsman Martin Guptill isn’t taking them lightly and is looking to get more aggressive with their spinners.

During New Zealand’s highest successful run-chase in Hamilton of 348, their batsmen took their spinners apart. India’s spin-bowlers in Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja could manage only two wickets between them in 20 overs while giving away 148 runs. The pacers were equally toothless, having picked up only two wickets.

The four-wicket victory and a series lead gave the hosts a much-needed relief after losing eight matches on the trot. However, Guptill isn’t counting out India’s chances yet. The 33-year old claimed that the tourists have got match-winners aplenty in their ranks; thus they have to be vigilant enough to wrap up the series in Auckland.

“I don’t think you can count India out. They are a world-class side, they have got match winners batting and bowling. So, we still have to put up a very good performance tomorrow to be get another win under the belt and take the series. Come tomorrow, hopefully we will play well and showcase our skills again.” Guptill said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Martin Guptill hailed his team for the way they handled the spinners:

The veteran batsman, who scored 32 to put 85 for the opening wicket in the Black Caps’ triumph on Wednesday was impressed with the way they manhandled the spinners in Hamilton. Their batsmen continuously played the sweep shot that resulted in hefty runs for them.

Guptill remarked that one needs to have the attacking mindset in these conditions and remain confident that the ball won’t beat you by much. He hailed the way their men took on the two spin-bowlers and believes that it would serve as a massive confidence-booster going forward.

“It’s completely different conditions, isn’t it? You have to be a little bit more attacking here I guess and have the confidence that the ball will probably will not spin past your edge as much. You know the odd one might as it did the other night. I thought the way we handled the Indian spinners in Hamilton was some of the best we have done it in a long time. So we can take confidence from that going forward in the series.” he added further.