New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert said on 12 November in Mount Maunganui that India's bowling attack was too well-rounded for the hosts to isolate any single bowler to target, crediting the visitors' collective discipline for keeping New Zealand under pressure throughout the ongoing ODI series.

India's Bowling Unit Leaves No Easy Targets

India currently hold a 2-0 series lead, with the third match in Hamilton washed out by rain. In both New Zealand defeats — in Auckland and Wellington — the hosts were undone by Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, and Gurnoor Brar, who leads the series wicket tally with seven scalps.

'They all bowl very well, they all do something slightly different. Having Arshdeep as a left-hander, I think it's crucial as well. But to be honest, they work well as a unit. They all do something a little bit different. To their credit, they didn't miss much on those wickets the last two games. I can't really target anyone individually; I think they do a very good job together,' Seifert said at the pre-match press conference ahead of the fourth ODI.

Tricky Conditions and a Changed Side

Seifert also acknowledged that pitch conditions had compounded New Zealand's struggles. 'It's good. I think look, obviously the result hasn't necessarily gone our way, but we've obviously been put in some tricky situations with the wickets as well. So, look, it's a new bunch of guys here. A few guys have left for the Test series starting on November 19, so we're just focusing on the next two games ahead,' he said.

The absence of several senior players — released for the upcoming Test series — means New Zealand are essentially fielding a reshaped squad for the final two ODIs. Seifert framed the remaining matches as a window for squad integration rather than a crisis of form.

World Cup 2027 and the Bigger Picture

Looking beyond the series result, Seifert pointed to the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup as the broader context for New Zealand's approach. 'We always look to try and go out there and win every game. Don't get me wrong, you want to win every series, but the big picture is obviously the World Cup coming up as well. So it's about learning and jellying as a team, and there's obviously a few changes as well, so it's giving those guys the opportunity,' he said.

He also expressed confidence in Fin Allen's ability to adapt to a middle-order role. 'He's a talented player. He's done very well for New Zealand also around the world. So with his skill set he can adapt wherever. It'll be exciting seeing him potentially come in the middle order,' Seifert added.

Seifert's Own Role: Opener and Keeper

Seifert, who has been opening the batting in the series — a departure from his usual middle-order berth — confirmed he would also keep wicket in the fourth match. 'I've enjoyed it. It's been a wee while — also opening the batting for the first time as well. My other games have been in the middle order, so it's been a new role as well, which I've enjoyed, and hopefully we can win a toss or have a good wicket. Yes, I will be keeping,' he said.

On the possibility of personnel changes on both sides, Seifert was philosophical: 'No matter who India play or whoever we play as well, we're out there for the challenge, and everyone's an international cricketer out there. Whoever steps into their role, they're gonna try their best — same with us.' With two ODIs still to play, New Zealand face a tall order against an Indian attack that has found considerable rhythm on New Zealand soil.