India head coach Gautam Gambhir urged batters to adapt to challenging conditions after India’s 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI. Following an 89-run collapse, Gambhir highlighted batting concerns ahead of Sunday’s series-deciding fifth match.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged the team’s batters to take greater responsibility and adapt to challenging playing conditions after suffering a humiliating 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval on Friday. Following India’s dramatic batting collapse, Gambhir insisted that there are no unplayable deliveries in international cricket and that experienced batters must find ways to counter difficult bowling conditions.
India, chasing a challenging target of 334 runs, were bowled out for just 89 in 26.4 overs. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry delivered a sensational performance, claiming a career-best six wickets for 27 runs to dismantle India’s batting order. The defeat marked India’s second-heaviest loss in ODI cricket and reduced their lead in the five-match series to 2-1.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gambhir acknowledged Henry’s disciplined bowling but maintained that the Indian batters should have handled the movement more effectively. He stressed that the bowling conditions did not justify such a significant collapse.
“There are no unplayable deliveries in international cricket. Matt Henry bowled in good areas, but we should be able to negate that,” Gambhir said.
The Indian coach further explained that the batters struggled mainly because of the areas and lengths targeted by New Zealand’s bowlers. According to him, India’s batters became too defensive and remained stuck in their crease instead of adjusting their approach.
Gambhir also admitted that repeated batting failures were becoming a serious concern, particularly with the team needing to prepare for challenging conditions ahead of the upcoming World Cup. He pointed out that India had already experienced difficulties in the second ODI, where they lost seven wickets for 111 runs despite eventually winning the match by seven wickets under the DLS method.
He emphasised that scoring 35 to 40 runs without losing a wicket would have been a reasonable start in such conditions, highlighting the importance of patience, mental preparation and technical adaptability.
Apart from the batting collapse, Gambhir identified dropped catches as another major setback for India. New Zealand batter Will Young benefited from a missed opportunity and went on to score an impressive 125 off 108 deliveries, helping the hosts post 333/8.
Gambhir particularly mentioned Auqib Nabi’s unfortunate missed opportunity to dismiss Young, noting that the outcome could have been different had India held their catches.
Despite the disappointing result, the head coach expressed satisfaction with India’s bowling performance. Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi claimed two wickets each as the visitors managed to take eight New Zealand wickets.
| Also Read: Nagaland United Make Historic Winning Debut in 2026-27 IFL |
Gambhir praised the bowling unit for its effort and reiterated his pride in players representing the country.
India will now face New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI at Bay Oval on Sunday. With the visitors leading the series 2-1, they will aim to secure a series victory, while New Zealand will look to bounce back and level the contest. India’s batting performance will remain a major talking point heading into the decisive encounter.
