India left stranded in Bulawayo

India have been left stranded in Bulawayo to nurse their wounds after the thrashing they received against New Zealand. Sourav Ganguly, the Indian captain, said that India were not able to leave for Harare, the venue for the remainder of the series, because of the unavailability of air tickets.

While the Indian media and other personnel associated with the tour left for Harare, the Indian team stayed put in their hotel. This is an extension of the poor planning and management that has plagued the Indian team of late. The BCCI was reportedly unhappy because some players arrived late for their departure to Zimbabwe and expressed ire over their attitude. Their late arrival in Harare, barely two days before the start of the series, was further compounded because they were delayed in Harare and reached Bulawayo with less than 24 hours before their first game of the series against New Zealand.

After a comprehensive victory against India, Stephen Fleming, the New Zealand captain, felt that his side had a clear advantage because the track at Harare was conducive to seam whereas the Bulawayo pitch had been good for batting.