New Delhi: India’s batting struggles have come under the spotlight after New Zealand registered a massive 244-run victory in the third ODI at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday. The emphatic win helped the visitors reduce India’s lead in the five-match series after trailing 0-2.
Batting first, New Zealand posted an imposing total of 333 runs before their bowlers dismantled the Indian batting line-up. India, led by Shreyas Iyer in the absence of regular captain Shubman Gill, failed to recover after a disastrous start.
Matt Henry delivered a devastating opening spell, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer in the very first over. The early collapse left India struggling to build any momentum and eventually resulted in one of their heaviest defeats in recent years.
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik identified the middle order as a major concern, pointing out that India’s batting has lacked consistency throughout the series, particularly while chasing challenging targets.
He highlighted that India had experienced similar difficulties in the first two matches, with a cluster of wickets creating pressure despite the team managing to secure victories.
Former India spinner Murali Kartik also stressed the need for a change in approach. He suggested that the team management should reassess its bowling combinations and strategies, particularly after conceding 333 runs in the third ODI.
He also raised questions about the effectiveness of India’s short-ball strategy and the possible inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the next match.
With the series still in India’s control, the visitors will look to address their batting and bowling concerns ahead of the final two encounters.
India and New Zealand will face each other in the fifth and final ODI on Sunday, November 15, with the hosts aiming to finish the series strongly.
