India captain Iyer cites learning curve after 87-run loss to New Zealand at Eden Park

India were bowled out for 173 in the fourth T20 International at Eden Park, losing to New Zealand by 87 runs after the hosts posted 260. Captain Shreyas Iyer said the defeat was a “great learning curve” for several players encountering the venue for the first time and that future visits should be easier.

"Conversation was just that we knew that the dimensions are going to be like this, and some of them, it's their first time playing on such grounds," Iyer told reporters after the match. "It takes a bit of time for them to adapt to the challenge."

Eden Park’s short straight boundaries – about 63 metres – and a strong southwesterly wind that dropped temperatures to around 12 °C created a challenging environment. New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips described the wind as the easier end to hit from, while his teammate Michael Bracewell added a quick-fire 115 off 40 balls, using the conditions to accelerate the scoring rate.

Captain Mitchell Santner praised his bowlers for adjusting to a pitch that offered extra bounce, noting that disciplined lengths helped restrict India’s chase. Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said India lost too many wickets in the Powerplay, which undermined their chase despite a clear game plan.

Iyer highlighted the third over of New Zealand’s innings, when Daryl Mitchell struck Mayank Yadav for 20 runs off four balls, as a turning point that gave the hosts momentum. He also commended Phillips for his 107-run knock, calling it “consistent throughout the series.”

Phillips said the 260 total would boost New Zealand’s confidence, adding that reaching the 250-run mark was a first for the side and would help them feel more secure against strong opponents in future matches.