Gambhir concerned as India suffers 244-run ODI collapse

Gambhir warns of recurring batting collapses

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed concern regarding the frequent batting collapses the Indian team has experienced in ODIs. Following the 244-run defeat in the fourth match against New Zealand, Gambhir raised an alarm over these performance trends.

Gambhir questioned, "Why won't I be concerned?" while addressing the team's recurring batting issues. He issued this warning as the team continues its series against New Zealand.

These repeated collapses remain a point of focus as the team prepares for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Coach identifies World Cup-like conditions as challenge

Gambhir stated that he is concerned because the seam-friendly conditions in New Zealand are similar to those India might face during the upcoming World Cup.

The coach attributed the batting struggles to the specific length bowled by Matt Henry. Gambhir described it as a half-half length that prevented batters from moving forward or backward effectively.

Gambhir emphasized the need to address these recurring batting issues directly rather than ignoring them. He noted the team was seven down for 111 or 112 in the second match, which preceded this latest defeat.

There is no benefit to sweeping these failures under the carpet, Gambhir said regarding the recent performances. He added that the team is discussing these issues specifically because they lost the match.

Matt Henry leads New Zealand bowling attack

New Zealand reached a total of 333 runs in the fourth ODI. Will Young scored 125 runs off 108 balls, while Tim Seifert added 58 runs from 48 balls. Finn Allen contributed 41 runs off 30 balls to the team total.

Matt Henry took career-best ODI figures of 6 for 27.

Kuldeep Yadav returns to lineup for fourth ODI

India included wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav in the lineup for the fourth ODI, replacing Anshul Kamboj who left for the Test camp in Wellington. Mohammed Siraj remained on the bench for this match.

Gambhir said the selection of Kuldeep was intended to provide an attacking option to take wickets in the middle overs on a larger ground. Kuldeep conceded 73 runs in eight wicketless overs during his first game of the series. This was his first competitive appearance in over a month.

Gambhir disagreed that a lack of game time affected Kuldeep's rhythm. He noted that the spinner played three ODIs against West Indies in October. Gambhir said international players should maintain rhythm regardless of limited opportunities. India chose to play three or four seamers in the first three ODIs due to the specific ground dimensions and conditions, according to Gambhir.

Series finale scheduled for Sunday in Mount Maunganui

India leads the ODI series 2-1 with one match remaining. The final game is scheduled for Sunday in Mount Maunganui.

During the fourth ODI, Will Young scored 125 runs after being dropped twice in the early overs. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan dropped those chances off the bowling of Auqib Nabi.