Gautam Gambhir Criticizes Indian Batters Following Heavy Defeat to New Zealand

In a shocking defeat, India lost to New Zealand by 244 runs in the fourth ODI, with head coach Gautam Gambhir criticizing the team's batting performance. He highlighted the need for better adaptation to seam-friendly conditions and emphasized that no deliveries are unplayable in international cricket. Matt Henry's exceptional bowling led to India's collapse, as they were bowled out for just 89 runs while chasing a target of 334. This loss narrows India's series lead to 2-1, setting up an important final match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 13, 2026, 19:20 IST

Gambhir's Analysis of India's Performance

Mount Maunganui [New Zealand], November 13: In a disappointing match, India faced a staggering defeat against New Zealand by 244 runs in the fourth ODI. The Indian team was bowled out for a mere 89 runs while attempting to chase a target of 334. Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized that there are no deliveries in international cricket that cannot be played and insisted that Indian batsmen should have been more prepared for New Zealand's seam-friendly conditions.

Gambhir acknowledged the impressive bowling performance by Matt Henry, who took six wickets, but highlighted the importance of surviving the initial overs. He pointed out that losing three wickets in the first over severely hindered India's chances of a successful chase.

Henry led the New Zealand attack with a remarkable six-wicket haul, including three wickets in the very first over, which initiated India's batting collapse. His figures of 6 for 27 dismantled India's top order, sending Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer back to the pavilion without scoring, leaving India at a dismal 0 for 3. Henry later returned to claim the lower order, taking out Ishan Kishan, Kuldeep Yadav (1), and Gurnoor Brar (2), ultimately bowling India out in just 26.4 overs.

"There are no unplayable deliveries in international cricket. Players must adapt to any type of delivery. The conditions in New Zealand are known to provide seam movement with the new ball, and we experienced similar conditions while bowling. Matt Henry consistently bowled in good areas, and when a bowler maintains those lengths, it is crucial to manage the first 10 overs effectively. Losing three wickets in the opening over puts you at a significant disadvantage," Gambhir stated during the post-match press conference.

Will Young's impressive century (125 runs off 108 balls) and Matt Henry's outstanding bowling performance set the stage for New Zealand's success. Key contributions from Tim Seifert (58 runs off 48 balls) and Finn Allen (41 runs off 30 balls) helped the hosts reach a formidable total of 333 runs. After being put in to bat by India, New Zealand's top order excelled, with Young and Seifert establishing a solid foundation.

As India attempted to chase down 334 runs, they encountered a formidable challenge from New Zealand's pace attack, resulting in a significant batting collapse. This decisive victory allowed New Zealand to narrow India's series lead to 2-1, setting the stage for a crucial final match on Sunday.