Following their disastrous performance, the Indian cricket team has come in for harsh criticism from the New Zealand media.

"To label India the worst cricket team to tour New Zealand might be slightly over the top, considering Bangladesh were here last summer," a report in the Dominion Post said.

"India have been shown up as spineless and directionless in the Test and one-day series this summer, which would not be such a bad thing if they did not go round the world parading themselves as the most talented batting line-up in commission," it said.

Indian batsmen posted over-200 only once in the series and surrendered meekly in the two Tests and first four matches of the seven-match ODI series.

The paper said that the Indians clearly lacked the courage to take on the New Zealand fast bowlers in the present series.

"Their batsmen's inability to play the seaming ball not only makes a mockery of their reputation, but brings one to the conclusion they are hopelessly short in the courage stake.

"It is apparent they have no intention of addressing their technical shortcomings or mental approach."

The report said the Indians had been found wanting on deliveries pitched outside the off-stump.

"Seaming pitches require batsmen to operate with a tight technique, leaving alone as many balls as possible early in their innings.

"Being wristy players, the Indians thrive on the ball drifting into their pads, but Daryl Tuffey and Jacob Oram have maintained an exceptional line just outside off-stump and the visitors have repeatedly gone fishing," the report said.

The paper wondered what fate was in store for Indian coach John Wright after his team's performance.

"The honour of bringing a glamour team to his old stamping ground has turned into a nightmare [for Wright].

"His wish at the start of the tour was that the New Zealand public would get to see some of the game's finest batsmen display their talents but the Sehwags, Laxmans and Gangulys are only world class when conditions suit.

"Wright would not be human if he had not thought about the repercussions of such a woeful tour. He is widely tipped to be the next coach of New Zealand. Hopefully, nothing has changed," it added.