Mount Maunganui, Nov. 13 -- India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Friday defended the team's decision to experiment with its batting order, saying the management wants to maintain continuity while providing players opportunities in different positions ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Ruturaj Gaikwad opened alongside Rohit Sharma in the fourth ODI against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, while Ishan Kishan, who has previously batted higher up the order, was pushed down to number five. However, the reshuffle failed to deliver the desired results as India were bowled out for just 89 while chasing 334, suffering a massive 244-run defeat.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gambhir explained that the decision to promote Gaikwad was ...