New Zealand won the fourth ODI against India at Hamilton by 8 wickets, after India was bowled out for 92 runs batting first. To be fair, the Indian team was without their two batting mainstays in Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.

This was India’s seventh-lowest ODI total and New Zealand tasted success finally after losing the first three matches and the series. Bhuvneshwar Kumar called this result as a reality check for the Indian team for the remainder of the series.

"If you look at the cricket, we have been playing in the last few months, we have played good cricket and such matches come after some time. So, it is a kind of reality check what we can do and improve in the next matches. We were confident after winning the series but things didn't go our way. I don't want to take credit away from these guys (New Zealand bowlers). They bowled really well and outplayed us," Bhuvneshwar said.

The hero for New Zealand’s win was Trent Boult, who picked his fifth five-wicket haul and was named the Man of the Match.

When asked whether New Zealand exposed any weakness in India’s armor, Bhuvneshwar said, "Not really, we have played in England, South Africa, and Australia, and we have done really well. I would say they bowled really well, bowled some amazing and unplayable balls and yes overall, they outplayed us."

Virat Kohli is being rested from the remaining tour to New Zealand and Shubman Gill was given his India debut at the age of 19. India also missed MS Dhoni due to his injury and had rested Mohammad Shami too.

Bhuvneshwar said that India did miss Kohli, "See you always miss him (Kohli) in such kind of wickets but at the same time it was an opportunity for Shubman Gill who came in his place. What he (Kohli) has done is amazing but we always don't want to depend on him.”

Bhuvneshwar further said, "We can't say that from just one match. It was a tough wicket to bat. It wasn't a lost opportunity but it is a learning for all of us. I was a bit surprised, if you look at the wicket, it shouldn't play the way it played. But yes, but that's how this game is, it is unpredictable. The way Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme bowled was quite beautiful."

Speaking about taking this loss as a lesson for the upcoming T20I series, Bhuvneshwar said, “Yes, of course, but the format will be different and I am sure we won't get this kind of wicket but in the one-day matches back home we can take a few things from here.”

The pacer feels he is back to his best after the break and said, "Ya, it (rhythm) is back but more important is that I am getting wickets. It helps your confidence which you can carry in the next few matches. So yes rhythm is back and the pace is up there where I wanted.”

(PTI inputs)