Seamers were not consistent enough: Dhoni

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Sunday said his seamers were not consistent enough while one batsman needed to play till the end in the first One-Day International against New Zealand which India lost by 24 runs.

Virat Kohli's 123 off 111 balls went in vain as India were bowled out for 268 in 48.4 overs in the opener of the five-match series here.

"I think overall it was a good decision to bat first. It had to be backed by good bowling. We didn't' do well in first three-four overs, but then we came back well. It was important for the spinners to bowl with control, while the seamers were not so consistent with their lengths," Dhoni said post match.

Corey Anderson smashed an unbeaten 68 off 40 balls to take New Zealand to 292 for seven after being asked to bat first.

Barring Kohli and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (40), India's middle-order was found wanting.

"We were in the game right till the end, but the wickets of Kohli, Jadeja and me that hurt us. It was important that one of us carried on till the end. We could have targeted the runs at the end, but we ran out of overs. We had good time to prepare ourselves," remarked the Indian captain.

Dhoni said the batsmen needed to work for runs and not give their wickets away cheaply.

"I think a few of the batsmen played well today, but it is important that if you get a decent start you push on to a big score. It is a little easier in India to do it, but here you have to work for it. Its important not to get yourself out, but only to a good ball."