It's important to forget about this one – Shreyas Iyer on India’s defeat in 4th ODI

India suffered a massive defeat at the hands of New Zealand in Tauranga as batters faced a huge challenge confronting the Kiwis on a tricky surface. With a target of 334 in front, India lost their top-order in a flash as they wobbled at 9/4. By the time India could get an overhaul, the task had already become too daunting.

Indian captain for the fourth and fifth ODI, Shreyas Iyer opened up on the overall defeat against New Zealand. Talking at the post-match presentation, Iyer underlined India’s overall performance while also highlighting India’s ploy with the ball in the first innings. He also had a message for the upcoming contest that could seal the fate of the series.

Reflecting on India’s performance in Tauranga, Iyer said, “We saw it, there was a huge difference in the first innings and the second innings in terms of wicket, but also credit where it's due, the way Henry bowled in the right areas right from ball one. I think that was sensational.”

Decoding India’s bowling tactics, Iyer added, “I think we tried almost everything in the first innings, the way they were playing on the rise. And we thought that the wicket was better to bat on considering they got 330 after that. Obviously a couple of dropped catches, but that definitely happens in a game. But yeah, when we got into the dressing room, we thought that we would be cruising through the chase as well. But the way the ball was seaming in and out, you couldn't basically decide from inside that this is how I'm going to play. Or even if you saw the wickets, no one threw the wicket away. It was good deliveries.”

He concluded by talking about the upcoming battle, stating, “It's important to forget about this one, obviously, analyze what went wrong in terms of bowling and batting. But at the back of the mind it's important that we have also won two games. So a lot of inspiration from that one and see to it that we come with a fresh set of mind.”