India’s disappointing 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI has sparked fresh concerns over the team’s batting and bowling performances. Former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has now singled out Shreyas Iyer’s poor form, warning that the middle-order batter needs to find his rhythm soon. Iyer is leading India in the fourth and fifth ODIs in the absence of regular captain Shubman Gill, who has joined the squad’s preparations for the upcoming Test series.
However, the responsibility of captaincy did not translate into runs for the right-hander, who was dismissed for a first-ball duck at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 13. Iyer’s latest failure means he has managed just 45 runs in his last four ODI innings. Srikkanth believes the experienced batter cannot afford to continue struggling, particularly given his importance to India’s middle order in the 50-over format.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda, the 1983 World Cup winner pointed out that Iyer has not scored an ODI half-century for some time and is currently going through a difficult phase. “Shreyas Iyer has to be careful. It’s been a long time since he scored a fifty in ODIs. He is primarily a fantastic ODI batter. But he is not in the greatest form,” Kris Srikkanth said.
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Iyer has scored 209 runs across ODIs and T20Is since October 14, 2026. His best effort during this period was an explosive 50 off just 23 deliveries against New Zealand in Hamilton. However, his recent ODI scores of 15, 30 and 0 have raised questions about his consistency.
Srikkanth also expressed concern over India’s growing dependence on Naman Dhir. He believes it is not ideal for the team to expect Dhir to deliver regularly with the bat while also fulfilling the responsibilities of a No. 8 batter and the fifth or sixth bowling option.
“It feels like Naman Dhir is crucial for India with bat and ball, which is not a good sign at all. He is a fantastic cricketer, but depending on him at No. 8 and as the fifth or sixth bowler is not a good sign,” he added.
Apart from India’s batting concerns, Srikkanth also criticised Kuldeep Yadav’s performance in the fourth ODI. The left-arm wrist-spinner conceded 73 runs in eight overs without taking a wicket as New Zealand’s batters dominated the Indian bowling attack.
Srikkanth feels opposition batters have been finding it increasingly easy to score against Kuldeep in New Zealand conditions. He also suggested that the spinner has lost some of his usual sharpness and is struggling to maintain control over his deliveries.
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“He (Kuldeep) is too ineffective in these conditions. All the New Zealand batters are feasting against him. Had they hit with more power, the balls would have travelled to Australia. Kuldeep has also lost his zip, and I don’t know how he is going to correct himself. He is too much of an up-and-down bowler,” Kris Srikkanth concluded.
With India already suffering a heavy defeat in the fourth ODI, the performances of Iyer and Kuldeep will remain under scrutiny as the team looks to finish the series on a stronger note.
