There is a lot to learn from the practical approach of New Zealand’s captain, Daniel Vettori, and his realism after the defeats by India in ODIs and Tests. It must have been galling for the bespectacled left-arm spin bowler, who is an underrated all-rounder too, that the defeats were at home.

The Test reverse allowed the Indians, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, to repeat history as they won a rubber after 41 years in this country. But Vettori admitted the Indian team was superior in every department and there was much to learn. However, he also looked at the positives that emerged and could have said that the presence of fast bowler Shane Bond might have made a difference to the outcome. Pace bowler Chris Martin might be the most honest and hardworking of his type, but his lack of penetration was almost embarrassing and the strong Indian batting order had few problems.

Vettori acknowledged the fact that his team is only the eighth-ranked Test nation and has a long way to catch up with teams from India, Australia and South Africa. Despite the limitations, the fact is New Zealand made India follow-on in the second Test and but for Gautam Gambhir batting for long hours, might have upset the latter’s applecart.

It would not help the Indian team to sit back on its laurels, especially individuals like Yuvraj Singh whose runs do not match his arrogance. And whatever the merits of Zaheer Khan, when the team’s leading new ball bowler averages in the high 30s, it cannot be a good sign. Zaheer is a better bowler these days, though he has to work on his economy rate to be regarded as a real force. Does he bowl more loose deliveries than good ones? Then a bowler like Ishant Sharma, despite his talent and promise, does not seem to take enough wickets.

Gambhir, as the highest run-getter in the Tests, has certainly raised his stock, though it is an exaggeration on the part of his mate Virender Sehwag to describe the former as the best opening batsman produced by the country after Sunil Gavaskar. There is much yet for Gambhir to prove and one recalls how a left-hander of more ability and grace than Gambhir, W. V. Raman, was starved of opportunities. Then Sadagopan Ramesh, who was virtually sent out of the game, did very little wrong. Hence Gambhir would do well to take such praise from a pal lightly. Maybe not all people have the knack of being realistic like Vettori and there is a lesson to learn from him.