Batting maestro Sunil Gavaskar says the Indian batsmen's tendency to play far too many shots is responsible for the team's poor performance in one-dayers in recent times.

"They haven't done well which is a bit of a worry especially in the first 15 overs when they are losing far too many wickets," Gavaskar said, after India were bowled out for 170 against England in the NatWest Challenge opener at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

"India's inability to get off to a good start has largely been because of Virender Sehwag's poor scores lately. He has had just one half century from three different tournaments in Sri Lanka, Holland and now in England."

Gavaskar said the Indians are trying to get their runs mostly in boundaries, which is not easy against a disciplined team like England.

"They seem to be looking to hit a boundary all the time which probably is the reason they are losing wickets in the first 15 overs," said Gavaskar.