New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori on Friday admitted that India were the superior team in the ODI series and his side lacked consistency to challenge a strong and balanced opposition.
"India scored over us because it struck a balance in every department of the game in the Test as well as ODI series," a disappointed Vettori said after New Zealand lost the fifth and final ODI in Chennai by eight wickets to suffer a 0-5 series whitewash.
Vettori, however, did not agree that his position as captain is in danger after the disappointing show. New Zealand under Vettori had lost 0-5 in their ODI series in Bangladesh before coming to India.
"I think I have led the team as well as I can. We understand the result. They change me if they feel there is a need to do it," he said.
Vettori said his team would now concentrate on the forthcoming home series against Pakistan and they need a good show to build confidence before next year's World Cup.
"We are far more comfortable playing at home. We need to perform against Pakistan to regain our confidence ahead of World Cup. Some of the players will have to get back to domestic season. We will try to get back our rhythm. I need to be assertive with the boys to step up and do well in putting their hands up," said the Kiwi captain.
Asked if his team did not give their best and they lacked in confidence, Vettori said, "We can address the issue but addressing the issue is not part of the solution but we have to apply our minds to it too.
"We were not consistent in the series. One day we batted and bowled well but the other day we did not show consistency. In one-day matches you have to show particular type of abilities like what India showed," he said.
"We need to keep trying to our abilities. We need to look into areas where we can show improvement. We should not give up our efforts. Hopefully, as part of the solution we are facing Pakistan back home and we need to play well and regain the confidence ahead of the World Cup," he added.
As for the positives from this tour, Vettori said, "I think James Franklin has been in and out of the team but he had performed well on this tour. There are about three guys looking to be making the world cup team but James has proved himself well to be the squad."
Asked about India's chances in the Test series against South Africa starting next week, Vettori said, "India is the leading team in Test and they have been winning their matches in recent times. It is a experienced side. They have some remarkably talented batsmen and bowlers. I think the cricket fans would be keen that they play some lively cricket and win."
