India look for morale boosting win against New Zealand ahead of Test Series

Zee Media Bureau/Chaitan Papnai

India have started their 2014 ODI campaign on a poor note as they have already lost the five-match ODI series to New Zealand 3-0. After losing to Proteas 2-0 in their last tour to South Africa, India failed to turn their fortunes while playing against the seventh ranked Black Caps. Dhoni has certainly been outfoxed by the Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum. In fact, New Zealand have outplayed India in all the departments in the series. After losing the first two ODIs, Ravindra Jadeja`s heroics helped India to tie the third match. Many arm-chair critics had predicted that India might level the series after that tie, as the team gained the much needed momentum. However, nothing of that sort happened and riding on Ross Taylor`s excellent hundred, the hosts comprehensively won the fourth ODI by seven wickets, and thus clinched the series as well by taking an unassailable lead of 3-0. Now in the fifth and final ODI of the series, India will look for a consolation win, which might give them the much-needed boost to enter the two-match Test series with a positive frame of mind. All-rounder Ravinder Jadeja also feels the same as he has stated while speaking to PTI: “We have to be positive and give 100 percent as there is nothing left to think now. We know our calibre and our capability and we have already done it in the past, in overseas conditions as well. We want to win. We will have to win to keep a good morale for the Test series and going forward on the tour." Final ODI is scheduled to take place on Friday at Wellington and if Dhoni & Co have to register a win against the Kiwis, they have to come out with all guns blazing.