India head coach Gautam Gambhir did not hide his disappointment after the team's crushing 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI. With India bowled out for just 89 while chasing 334, the batting collapse has become a major talking point ahead of the series decider. The defeat reduced India's advantage to 2-1, leaving New Zealand with an opportunity to level the series in the final match. India's troubles began immediately, as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and captain Shreyas Iyer all fell for ducks in the opening over, leaving the visitors at 0/3.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gambhir admitted that the repeated batting failures were a serious concern. 

Gambhir Says India's Batting Failures A Major Concern

Gautam Gambhir pointed out that the New Zealand bowlers had made effective use of the conditions, but felt India's battsmen should have handled the challenge better.

"I don’t go into technicality. There wasn’t a lot of deviation, its job of batter to negate movement. More than seam, areas and length created problems for us. We got stuck into the crease,"

The India coach also stressed that international batsmen should be capable of dealing with challenging deliveries.

"There are no unplayable deliveries in international cricket. Matt Henry bowled in good areas but we should be able to negate that. You are always concerned when you get bundled out for 90 odd. These are conditions close to World Cup. Even previous game we lost seven wickets, it's a concern,"

Gambhir Wants India To Adapt Before Series Decider

Gambhir highlighted that India's batting had also struggled in the previous match, when seven wickets fell for just 111 runs.

He wants the team to improve both mentally and technically before the final ODI.

"Even last game we were 7 down for 111 it is a bit of concern. We need to be mentally, skill wise ready. 35-40/0 is fine in conditions like these. We have experience and can hopefully adapt in the last game,"

India now face a crucial opportunity to address those shortcomings and prevent New Zealand from drawing the series.