'Not just today...': Gautam Gambhir on India's ODI batting collapse
What's the story
India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has expressed concern over the team's recent batting performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The apprehension comes after India was bowled out for a mere 89 runs and suffered a massive 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui. In the second ODI, India had also struggled with their batting lineup crumbling to 111 for seven while chasing a target of 135 runs.
Improvement focus
Gambhir emphasizes the need to address batting issues
Gambhir stressed on the need to address these issues, saying that "There's no benefit to sweeping it under the carpet."
He pointed out that even in the previous match, India were seven down for 111 or 112 runs.
"It isn't just this match. Even in the previous match, we were seven down for 111 or 112. Today we lost, so we are talking about it," he added.
Words
'Yeah, it's a huge defeat, no doubt about it'
The coach also acknowledged that while this defeat is significant, it's not just about today's game but also about past performances.
"Yeah, it's a huge defeat, no doubt about it, but even in the previous match, if you're chasing 135, and you get seven down for 111, obviously it is a bit of a concern, because yes, there is some help here for the bowlers, so we have to be not only mentally but from the skill point of view we need to be ready as well," Gambhir added.
World Cup worries
Batting collapses ahead of World Cup raise concerns
Gambhir's concerns are heightened by the fact that these batting collapses have occurred in conditions similar to those expected during next year's World Cup in Southern Africa.
He said, "You are always concerned when you get bundled out for 90-odd, why won't I be concerned?"
The coach stressed that these conditions provide a fair contest between bat and ball, making it even more crucial to address these issues.
Batting strategy
Coach criticizes Indian batters for getting stuck on the crease
Gambhir also criticized India's batting approach, saying they got stuck on the crease instead of being more committed toward it.
He said, "I thought more than the wobble seam, it's the areas that has probably created a problem for us."
The coach believed that Indian batters should have been more proactive with their footwork in dealing with these lengths.
Bowling analysis
Gambhir analyzes bowling performance, highlights dropped catches
Gambhir also analyzed India's bowling performance, saying that less-experienced seamers weren't as consistent with their lengths.
He defended Gurnoor Brar for being a hit-the-deck bowler who usually hits shorter lengths.
The coach also highlighted that luck played a role in this case, as Auqib Nabi had found Will Young's edge twice in the early overs of New Zealand's innings but Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan dropped back-to-back chances.