3 reasons behind India's poor performance in NZ vs IND 4th ODI
India lead the series 2-1 as the hosts aim to level it in the final ODI on November 15 at Bay Oval.
The Indian men’s cricket team are currently facing New Zealand in a five-match ODI series. The series, which began on November 4, has been heavily affected by weather, with rain interrupting several matches.
India won the first two matches via the DLS method, while the third ODI was washed out. However, the weather did not disrupt the fourth match.
The match was played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The Men in Blue won the toss and decided to bowl. Batting first, the hosts posted a mammoth 333 runs in 50 overs.
Although the pitch looked batting-friendly, the Indian batting lineup had a completely different experience. The visitors were bundled out for just 89, suffering a humiliating 244-run defeat.
It was a disappointing performance from the Indian team, with both the bowling and batting departments raising several questions. Despite leading the series 2–1, India have struggled to look comfortable with the bat and have repeatedly found themselves in trouble under overcast conditions.
On that note, let’s take a look at three major reasons behind India’s poor performance against New Zealand in the fourth ODI.
Reasons behind India’s struggle against Kiwis in the 4th ODI
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Poor bowling and fielding by the Indian team
The pitch at Bay Oval offered considerable seam movement and some uneven bounce. However, the Indian bowlers failed to make the most of the conditions.
Even when they bowled good deliveries, the fielders let the team down by dropping crucial catches, including a costly drop of Will Young, who went on to score a brilliant century.
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan handed Young two consecutive lifelines. As a result, New Zealand scored a massive 333, making the chase even more challenging for India.
Top order failed when it was needed the most
While chasing a mammoth target of over 300 runs, a team always needs a solid start from their openers. However, India got off to a disastrous start; thanks to brilliant bowling from Matt Henry, the team lost three wickets in the very first over.
Rohit Sharma was dismissed on the first delivery after edging the ball outside off, followed by Virat Kohli, who was bowled out. Captain Shreyas Iyer was the third batter to depart, falling LBW.
The Men in Blue were left reeling at 0/3, with no runs on the board. The situation worsened after this, as the team failed to build meaningful partnerships and eventually crumbled under the pressure.
The team missed the services of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul
Indian captain Shubman Gill and star batter KL Rahul were not part of the playing XI for the fourth ODI of the series. Both players left the ODI squad to join the Test camp, scheduled to begin on November 19.
Gill has been India’s leading run-scorer in 2026 in ODIs, while KL Rahul is known for stepping up and rescuing the team in crucial situations.
The Men in Blue sorely missed both batsmen in the fourth ODI, especially when New Zealand bowlers delivered a lethal spell.
Why did Shubman Gill and KL Rahul not feature in the fourth ODI against New Zealand?
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul left the ODI squad to join the Test team ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
When and where will the fifth NZ vs IND ODI take place?
The fifth and final ODI will be played on November 15, 2026, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.