I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series loss against New Zealand. The Kiwis won the opening game by eight wickets in Bengaluru and won the second match at Pune by 113 runs.

India was skittled out for their lowest-ever Test score (46) in home conditions whereas they were bundled out for only 156 runs in the first innings at Pune. Indian batters have failed to bring their best against the visitors and it has led to the team’s downfall as they have suffered regular collapses.

However, Gambhir feels everyone should take the onus on their shoulders for the losses in the first two matches.

“Everyone has the responsibility. I cannot say just the batters have let us down,” Gambhir told reporters on Thursday ahead of the third Test that starts from November 1 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

The former Indian opener feels this result will motivate his players to work even harder and get the positive results in the upcoming matches.

“I am not going to sugarcoat that it is hurting,” Gambhir said. “It should hurt and that will make us better. What is wrong in being in this position? I am sure this will push the youngsters to be better cricketers. If we have results like Kanpur, might as well have results like this and keep moving forward.”

Gambhir highlighted the importance of playing according to the match situation and feels the batters must pull up their socks.

“Test cricket should be played like Test cricket. If we have to get 400 runs inside a day’s play we should be able to get it. For me it is about playing the sessions as well. If we play 4.5 sessions we will have a lot of runs on board,” he said.

Speaking on the Wankhede pitch, Gambhir said, “It is just a good wicket. Very difficult for anyone to judge before both teams have batted on it.”

The third and final Test match between India and New Zealand will be played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai from November 1 onwards.