IND vs NZ: "Its A Learning Curve, We Can Introspect, Comeback With New Ideas In The Next Game" - Shreyas Iyer Says After Defeat Against New Zealand

New Zealand beat India by seven wickets in the first ODI at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, November 25, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Tom Latham scored an aggressive 145 runs off 104 balls, while skipper Kane Williamson scored an unbeaten 94 off 98 deliveries to help New Zealand chase down India’s 307-run target.

The Men in Blue got off to a flying start after being asked to bat, with Dhawan and Shubman Gill both scoring half-centuries and contributing to a 124-run opening stand. Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings before being dismissed in the last over for 80 runs off 76 balls. Washington Sundar made a cameo appearance with 37 off 16 balls at a strike rate of 231.25, and his firework in the death overs helped India cross the 300-run mark.

Wickets Keep On Changing In Every Place – Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer believes India performed well by posting a competitive total on the board. Shreyas added that India should not be disheartened by the defeat and should approach the next two matches with a positive mindset.

“The situation we were in and from there to reach 307 is a commendable total. Definitely, some things didn’t go our way today but its a learning curve, we can introspect, comeback with new ideas in the next game,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“It’s not easy to directly come from India and play here. Wickets keep on changing in every place and this is a challenge which you need to face. You have to be mentally strong, just have to adapt to the situations,” Iyer said.

Latham And Williamson Partnership Completely Changed The Scenario Of The Game – Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer praised Tom Latham and captain Kane Williamson for their fearless approach. New Zealand were in trouble after losing three top-order batsmen in the first 20 overs, but the duo’s 221-run stand made the Indian bowlers look average, especially Latham’s 145 runs off 104 balls.

“Both of them (Latham and Williamson) played fantastic knocks. They knew which bowlers to target at a specific time. I believe their partnership completely changed the scenario of the game and that was a crucial phase for us to get wickets.

“If we would have got one wicket we would have been under their skin and the situation could have been completely different. But kudos to them that they found the strength to convert those loose balls into boundaries and sixes. They were fearless in their approach and I feel that’s what helped them,” Iyer added.

India will take on New Zealand in the second match of the three-match ODI series at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Sunday, November 27.

Also read: IND vs NZ: Washington Sundar Breaks Suresh Raina’s Record For The Fastest 30+ Score In ODI By An Indian Player On New Zealand Soil