The Indian team should be more hailed than criticised for their 40-run loss in the opening Test against New Zealand at Auckland, never mind if this is India’s 10th overseas loss in 11 Tests.

A win would have been nothing short of historic because no visiting side has scored 407 to win a Test on New Zealand soil. That India got close is manifestation of not only the talent in the pack, but also their capabilities to fight in adversity. No admiration can be too high for Shikhar Dhawan, who came out of a bad patch through some aggressive batting. Hitting one’s way out of trouble is fraught with danger and ridicule from television commentators and critics.