‘There are no unplayable deliveries’: Gautam Gambhir sparks ‘concern’ after India batting horror show
India head coach Gautam Gambhir admitted that the team’s batting failures were a major concern after their humiliating 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI, but insisted that the batsmen need to find ways to cope with the tough conditions.India were bundled out for just 89 while chasing 334 to suffer their second biggest defeat in ODI cricket. Matt Henry led New Zealand’s demolition job with a sensational six-wicket haul, exposing India’s vulnerability to seam movement and disciplined bowling.Asked about India’s struggles against a shaky seam, Gambhir chose not to dwell on the technical aspects of batting, instead putting the onus on the batsmen to adapt.“I don’t dwell on the technical issues. There wasn’t much deviation, their job was to negate the movement. More than the seam, the surfaces and the length gave us problems. We were stuck at the crease,” Gambhir said during the post-match press conference.The India head coach also pointed out that the team’s batting collapses are becoming a recurring problem. India also lost seven wickets for 111 in the previous match and Gambhir stressed the need for the players to be better prepared both mentally and technically.“Even in the last game we were 7 for 111, it’s a bit worrying. We have to be ready mentally and skill-wise. 35-40/0 is fine in such conditions. We have experience and hopefully we can adapt in the last game,” he said.Gambhir further refused to describe Henry’s deliveries as unplayable and claimed that India’s experienced batting line-up should be able to handle the challenge of the New Zealand pacer.“There are no unplayable deliveries in international cricket. Matt Henry bowled in good areas but we should be able to negate that. You’re always worried when you get a 90-run package. It’s near-World Cup conditions. Even the last game we lost by seven wickets, that’s a problem,” he added.Henry’s opening set the tone for India’s collapse as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer were dismissed without scoring. Kyle Jamieson then removed Ruturaj Gaikwad to leave India reeling at 9/4.Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel briefly resisted with a 44-run partnership, but Henry came back to dismiss Kishan and finish with figures of 6/27.Gambhir also reflected on India’s missed opportunities in the field, especially the chances offered by New Zealand centurion Will Young. The bat was dropped twice at the start of its innings before going on to score 125, helping the visitors score 333.The Indian coach also felt that Auqib Nabi was unlucky not to dismiss Young but acknowledged that the dropped catches proved costly in the end.“Auqib Nabi was unlucky, if we had got Will Young it could have been different. It’s always hindsight. We dropped catches and we will have to pay for it,” Gambhir said.Despite the heavy defeat, India lead the five-match series 2-1. The fifth and final ODI on Sunday will decide the series, with Gambhir hoping his experienced batting unit can respond after two consecutive matches in which the team suffered significant middle- and lower-order collapses.
Should the Indian players be held accountable for their recent performance?
More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today
More than 5,000 users have already voted today
More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today
Share an opinion