India, Jan. 14 -- One of the tropes around New Zealand cricket's success is how they punch above their weight. It often gets lost in this narrative that they surprise the more fancied sides because of their meticulous preparation. India experienced the ferocity of their hard work in the 2024 Test whitewash at home.

On Wednesday in the Rajkot ODI, India were again on the receiving end when a depleted Kiwi side put it past them to level the series 1-1. New Zealand won by seven wickets with 2.5 overs left, reaching 286/3 in reply to India's 284/7.

Again, the chief architects of the win - Daryl Mitchell (131* - 117b,11x4,2x6) and Will Young (87 - 98b, 7x4) could do it with their vastly improved game against spin, refined by repeated tours o...