India head coach Gautam Gambhir expresses concern over batting failures
The head coach stated that batters must adapt to challenging conditions after India lost the fourth ODI by 244 runs.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir said the team's batting failures were a major concern after they suffered a 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI. According to the Times of India, India were bowled out for 89 while chasing a target of 334, marking their second-biggest defeat by runs in ODI cricket.
Gambhir noted that the team struggled with length and areas rather than just seam movement. He said that there are no unplayable deliveries in international cricket and that the batters should be able to negate the bowling of Matt Henry, who took 6/27.
The coach highlighted that batting collapses have become a recurring issue, noting that India also lost seven wickets for 111 in the previous game. He stated that the players need to be mentally and skill-wise ready to handle such conditions.
Gambhir also addressed missed fielding opportunities, specifically mentioning that New Zealand's Will Young was dropped twice before scoring 125. He said that Auqib Nabi was unlucky not to dismiss Young and that the team will have to pay for the dropped catches.
Despite the loss, India lead the five-match series 2-1. The fifth and final ODI will take place on Sunday to decide the series.