India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed disappointment over the team's lacklustre batting performance following India’s crushing 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI on Friday. Gambhir admitted that there were difficult conditions, but he made it clear that the responsibility lies with the batters to find solutions and adjust their approach according to the situation.
Chasing a big target of 334, the Indian batting lineup completely fell apart and could rack up only 89 runs before being bowled out. The defeat was also India's second-largest loss by runs in the history of ODI cricket. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry removed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer for ducks in the first over, triggering a massive collapse.
“First of all, there are no unplayable deliveries, to be honest, in international cricket. We should be able to cope with any kind of deliveries,” Gambhir said at the press conference.
Gambhir emphasised that challenging conditions are an inevitable part of the, and players must take responsibility for finding ways to succeed.
“He (Matt Henry) bowled in some good areas. So when bowled in those areas, we should have the ability to negate these first 10 overs. And we know there is always help in the first 10 overs, and when you lose three wickets in the first over, obviously you are very much behind the game."
Gambhir also expressed concern over the way India were bowled out for a low total.
"You're always concerned when you get bundled out for 90-odd. Why won't I be concerned? These are conditions which are going to be closest to what we might get during the World Cup,” Gambhir said.