New Zealand series loss hurting but can't just blame batters: India coach Gambhir

India head coach Gautam Gambhir admitted that the Test series loss to New Zealand was hurting while calling for accountability across the board for the Pune and Bengaluru losses. 

In Short

• India suffers first home Test series defeat in 12 years
• Crucial third Test at Wankhede Stadium for ICC points
• Gambhir admits series loss to New Zealand is hurting

Head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged that Team India was "hurting" after their first home Test series defeat in 12 years, expressing hope that the disappointment would drive his players to improve. Gambhir emphasized that the responsibility for the series loss wasn't solely on the batters, stating that everyone on the team needed to take accountability.

Despite conceding a 0-2 lead to New Zealand, the third Test at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium remains crucial, with valuable ICC World Test Championship points on the line.

Gambhir, appointed head coach earlier this year, defended his team while emphasizing collective responsibility rather than singling out the batting lineup. "Everyone has the responsibility, I cannot say just the batters have let us down," Gambhir said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the third and final Test at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

In Bengaluru, New Zealand’s seam and swing prowess troubled India, while in Pune, on a spin-friendly track traditionally favoring the hosts, New Zealand again outclassed Rohit Sharma’s men. The surprise losses have raised questions about India’s adaptability, even at home.

Reflecting on the difficult start to his coaching tenure, Gambhir acknowledged the frustration but remains optimistic about the impact of this setback. "I am not going to sugarcoat that it is hurting. 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 added.

The Indian batting lineup, while talented, has struggled to occupy the crease and build substantial innings in the first two Tests. However, Gambhir believes India’s approach to each session holds equal importance. "Test cricket should be played like Test cricket. If we need to score 400 runs in a day, we should be capable. But it’s also about how we handle sessions. Four and a half sessions should be enough to set up a solid lead," he remarked.

India currently leads the standings, but to secure a spot in their third consecutive final, they must win at least four of their next six Tests, including five in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With this in mind, the hosts are keen to shake off recent setbacks and focus on winning in Mumbai to strengthen their chances of playing the final at Lord's in June. Consequently, Rohit Sharma’s team may need to prioritize experience over experimentation, leaving limited room to field youngsters who haven't yet featured in the series.