IND vs NZ: Top 5 performers of the Test Series

The recently-concluded two-match Test series between New Zealand and India witnessed some exciting action over the 22 yards. Now, what less can you can expect from the top-two ranked Test teams? The World Test champions started off the series impressively, earning a draw in the opening game. While the result didn’t go in New Zealand’s favour, they would have been pleased with their efforts as not many teams have given India a tough time in home Tests lately.

While the opening clash was a close affair, the following game saw India walking away with a colossal 372-run triumph. Nothing really went in New Zealand’s favour in the game as they were outplayed in all three departments. As a result, the hosts clinched the series 1-0. Notably, this was India’s 14th successive Test win series on home soil.

Meanwhile, let’s look at the top 5 performers of the Test Series:

Mayank Agarwal

On a track where the entire New Zealand batting line-up got bundled out for 61, Mayank Agarwal slammed a brilliant 150. The opener played the staggering knock in the second Test. Notably, this series marked Agarwal’s comeback in India’s Test XI and he made full use of the opportunity. With 242 runs, Agarwal finished as the highest run-scorer of the series.

Shreyas Iyer

The right-handed batter couldn’t have made a better start to his Test career. Making his debut in the opening game, Iyer showcased remarkable resilience and slammed a sensational hundred in his very first outing. In case, you thought that knock was a mere fluke, the batter scored 62 in India’s second innings in the game. Overall, he scored 202 runs in the series.

Axar Patel

Another Indian all-rounder to have made to this list is Axar Patel. The southpaw delivered with both bat and the ball in this series, earning praises from different quarters. The left-arm spinner tormented the Kiwis batters in the opening game and took a five-wicket haul. The second fixture saw him recording his maiden Test fifty. Patel backed it up with a quick-fire 41. Overall, the all-rounder slammed 124 runs alongside scalping nine wickets.

Ajaz Patel

As mentioned above, New Zealand suffered a humiliating win in the second Test, which was played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel scripted history in the contest. He became only the third bowler in Test match history to take all 10 wickets on offer in an innings. Overall, he took 17 wickets in two games.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Continuing his purple patch in home Tests, Ravichandran Ashwin bagged yet another Player-of-the-Series award. The off-spinner made the ball talk and took a total of 14 wickets in the series. He even contributed with handy knocks of 38 and 32 in the opening Test. It won’t be wrong to see he’s one of the most valuable Test cricketers going around.