"It was our inability to bat and bowl when it mattered that proved to be the deciding factor," was how Williamson described the five days.
Ravichandran Ashwin's and Ravindra Jadeja's quick turners proved to be the difference between the two teams here. Leaving the Black Caps shattered with the final outcome.
But th visitors' captain Kane Williamson felt there was still plenty to take away from here for the next two Tests in Kolkata and Indore if the tourists have to make a comeback.
"It was our inability to bat and bowl when it mattered that proved to be the deciding factor," was how Williamson described the five days.
"Obviously, if you lose it's disappointing but then credit must go to India the way they played. They are pretty tough side to face in their home conditions. And it showed here too," added the skipper.
The touring side went from 159/1 at close of Day 2 to 262 all out in the second session of Day 3 to hand over the advantage to the home side. The 56-run deficit proved decisive in the outcome of the match as Ashwin and Jadeja ripped out the last nine wickets for 103 runs.
"There are certainly positives for us to take from this Test into the next one. As a unit, we want to be able to apply that pressure for longer, which isn't always easy in the sub-continent and against a side like India," said Williamson.
It has never been any easy for New Zealand to chase a record total of 434 in the fourth innings of the match on such a dry track. The Kiwi skipper admitted that it was the poor show by his bowlers on the third day when Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara scored freely that completely turned the match in India's favour.
"There were a lot of good things to come out of this game, and for a number of players it is their first time batting in these conditions. We want to be better, and if we are, that goes a long way in us being more consistent throughout the five days and ultimately winning. That's the challenge for us. It is about improvement as a young, but very talented, side," was how he analysed the Test.
He, however, reserved special praise for all-rounder Mitchell Santner, one of the two stand outs alongside Luke Ronchi. After taking 5/173 in the match, the left-hander also contributed 32 and 71 with his bat. Ronchi's 38 and 80 were a lesson for all the batsmen watching him play in the middle.
Williamson was not sure about whether opener Martin Guptill will get another chance to play in Kolkata or not. Struggling Guptill averages less than 30 in Tests and scored 22 and zero in his two outings here at the Green Park.
"This game has just finished and we've got to sit down and talk the combination of next match. He (Guptill) is working hard at his game and looking to improve. It isn't the easiest of places to play sometimes," came the answer.
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