The Men in Blue lost to New Zealand in the opening T20I and according to India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar, it was "one-off" loss. While chasing a total of 177, the top three batters were dismissed for just 15 runs within 19 balls, making the job difficult for the remaining batters as they were restricted to 155 runs. The Black Caps won the match by 21 runs. Earlier, the Indian team whitewashed the New Zealand side by 3-0 in the ODI series. 


"I think it was just a one-off game," said Washington, who got a 28-ball 50. ”I don't think that just because it was spinning so much, we have to address anything. Just that one-off game. Had we got off to a flier or a better start, things would've been much different. Obviously, it did spin, and you will see such wickets here and there.


"...people over here and players in our team have played on such wickets in the IPL and even in the Indian team. So, just that one-off game where certain things didn't go our way," he added.


After being asked whether they will be changing their top order, the youngster stated, "Do you really think a change is needed? If you don't get your favourite biryani in one of the restaurants, you will never go to that restaurant. All of them have made so many runs. It's just one day. It happens to anyone -- even New Zealand collapsed in Raipur (108 all out in 34.3 overs in the second ODI)”.


"It did not mean they had to change their top order. It's a game where anything can happen. We will have to be patient. At the end of the day, it's a sport where both teams cannot win and all 22 players cannot perform. All of them have done well to get to this stage."


Indian speedsters failed to create that impact as left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh recorded 4-0-51-1 and pace sensation Umran Malik gave away 16 runs in the only over he bowled.


"He (Arshdeep) has taken so many wickets -- for India and in the IPL. We are also human beings, we also want to play the sport. When the competition is very high, and the opposition is of the highest quality such things can happen," Washington said in support of his teammate.


"The way he (Malik) bowled against Sri Lanka and New Zealand (in ODIs) that's why we all know he's here. He's an X-factor, someone who bowls above 150 consistently and that's a rare quality." 


"...also with this management, they are very calm and patient, keen as long as we are learning from all the mistakes, that's an amazing quality. Going forward, we will be a very very strong side," he said.


He also lauded Kiwi all-rounder Daryl Mitchell for his unbeaten knock of 59 off 30 balls.


"Obviously, Daryl's innings was very crucial for them. Around 150 would be par, we would have been very happy with that. But he made the difference by actually getting a half-century for himself," he concluded.


The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be taking place in Lucknow on Sunday.