"Not Going To Sugarcoat...": Gautam Gambhir's 'Hurting' Message Ahead Of 3rd Test vs New Zealand

India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Thursday doesn't want to blame the batters only for the debacle against the visiting New Zealand side, saying that every player has the responsibility towards the team. India crashed to their first Test series defeat at home in 12 years after losing the second Test by 113 runs in Pune on October 26. The hosts had lost the first Test by eight wickets in Bengaluru. In three of the four innings, the team totals were 46, 156 and 245 with batters struggling against both swing and spin. "Everyone has the responsibility, I cannot say just the batters have let us down," Gambhir said at the press conference ahead of the third Test from Friday.

He also ruled out bringing new players for the final Test.

"We are not in a situation where can think of that (giving chance to players who have not played)," Gambhir doused the speculations of an imminent debut being handed to Harshit Rana as reported in some quarters.

"Harshit Rana is not part of the squad. He has just come here to prepare for the Australia tour, Abhishek (Nayar) made it clear yesterday. IPL retention has nothing to be spoken about, we have a Test match here.

"Everyone is available for selection, we will take a call tomorrow." Gambhir admitted that the Test series defeat hurt the team but said it should spur the team to do better in future.

"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," said Gambhir.

He said the batters should be able to adapt to the situations of the game and perform