Sports/Alive News: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed serious concern over the team’s batting performance after India suffered a 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI in Tauranga on Friday.
Chasing a target of 334 runs, India were bowled out for just 89 in 26.4 overs. Gambhir said the biggest concern was not the low score but how quickly the team lost all its wickets.
He also pointed out that the conditions in New Zealand were similar to those India could face during the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Speaking after the match, Gambhir said getting bowled out for around 90 runs was always worrying. He added that the team needed to learn from the experience ahead of the World Cup.
Gambhir Points Out Problems Against Fast Bowlers
Gambhir said the first 10 overs in New Zealand are particularly challenging for batters. He explained that Indian players needed to adjust their approach to difficult conditions.
He also praised New Zealand pacer Matt Henry, who took six wickets. Gambhir said Henry troubled Indian batters with deliveries that made it difficult to decide whether to play forward or backward.
Dropped Catches Cost India
Gambhir also admitted that missed opportunities in the field proved expensive. New Zealand batter Will Young scored 125 runs after being given two chances by Indian fielders.
He said India had to pay the price for dropping catches.
Gambhir Backs Young Bowling Attack
Despite the heavy defeat, Gambhir supported India’s inexperienced bowling attack. He said players would learn from difficult international conditions and should remain confident.
He also defended the team selection, explaining the decision to pick a wrist-spinner instead of Mohammed Siraj and Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of Ishan Kishan.
India Eye Comeback in Series Decider
India will now look to recover in the final match of the series. Gambhir said he expected the players to respond strongly and learn from the disappointing performance.
He added that the players should feel disappointed after such a defeat because that would motivate them to perform better in the next match.
