Shreyas Iyer is leading India in Shubman Gill's absence | PC- AFP
Shreyas Iyer's ODI captaincy debut didn't go as per the plan, as Team India suffered a massive 244-run defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui on Friday.
In the absence of Shubman Gill, who is busy with preparations for the Test series, his deputy was asked to take the charge for the remainder of the ODI matches, becoming the 29th ODI captain for India. However, the Shreyas Iyer-led India looked out of place, especially after bagging a two-nil lead after three games.
Shreyas Iyer puts blame on fielding for harsh defeat in IND vs NZ 4th ODI
While answering tough questions at the post-match presentation, Shreyas Iyer blamed India's fielding department. They dropped as many as two catches during the innings, with Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan being the culprits.
"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," the Indian stand-in captain said.
Additionally, Iyer credited Matt Henry for running through the Indian line-up; he also said there was a daylight difference between the conditions in the two innings.
"I mean 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," Shreyas Iyer added.
Will Young, Matt Henry dismantle India at Mount Maunganui
Earlier in the day, Will Young staged a marvellous century, becoming the first centurion of the series. Thanks to the Kiwi opener's 125, New Zealand were able to post 333 runs on the board.
That said, Young was dropped on consecutive deliveries early in his innings by Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan off Auqib Nabi. The Kiwi batter didn't let the opportunity slip and returned with his fifth ODI ton.
Young was then backed by a multiple-record-shattering six-fer by Matt Henry, who ensured India registered their lowest score on the Kiwi soil.
As India were folded for a paltry 89, it was New Zealand's biggest ODI victory on home soil. With the series standing at 2-1, both teams will look to redeem themselves in the final ODI at Mount Maunganui on Sunday morning.
