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India's ODI Series Loss to NZ: Gill Calls for Reflection After Decider Defeat

India suffered a 41-run defeat to New Zealand in the third ODI, losing the series 2-1. Captain Shubman Gill expressed disappointment with the team's performance, calling for reflection and improvement. Virat Kohli's valiant 124-run century was not enough as India's chase faltered after early wickets. The loss marks India's fifth home ODI series defeat since 2010.

Key Points: India's ODI Series Loss to NZ: Gill Demands Team Reflection

  • NZ posts 337/8
  • Kohli scores 54th ODI century
  • India all out for 296
  • Fifth home ODI series loss since 2010
  • Gill highlights positives from young players
2 min read

3rd ODI: Disappointed with series loss, need to look back, reflect, and do better, says Gill

India captain Shubman Gill disappointed after 41-run loss to New Zealand in series decider. Virat Kohli's century in vain as team faces fifth home ODI series defeat since 2010.

"There are areas we need to look back, reflect, and do better. - Shubman Gill"

Indore, Jan 18

India captain Shubman Gill admitted his side were left disappointed with their performance in their 41-run loss to New Zealand in the series decider at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, adding that the side needs to reflect and improve ahead for bigger challenges.

Knocks of 137 and 106 from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips took New Zealand to a commanding 337/8 on a two-paced black soil pitch, before the visitors held their nerve to overcome Virat Kohli's valiant 54th ODI century - 124 off 108 balls - and bowl out India for 296 in 46 overs.

The result also marked India's fifth home ODI series defeat since 2010. "After the first match, coming here 1-1, the way we played disappointed. There are areas we need to look back, reflect, and do better," said Gill in the post-match presentation ceremony.

He praised Kohli's impressive form and highlighted the contributions of Harshit Rana, who impressed with the bat at number eight by hitting 52 - his first ODI fifty.

"The way Virat is batting is always a plus. The way Harshit has batted in this series, batting at number eight is not easy. The way he stepped up and the way the fast bowlers bowled in this series was good as well," added Gill.

Looking ahead to the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup, Gill said the team management was keen to provide opportunities to young seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who hit 52 in the unsuccessful chase.

"Keeping the World Cup in mind, where it's going to be, we want to give him (Reddy) opportunities, and we want to give him enough overs when he's out there and just see what kind of combinations work for us and what kind of deliveries work for him as well," concluded Gill.

India's chase faltered early as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul departed cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 71/4. Kohli (124 off 108 balls) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) revived the hosts' hopes with a fighting 88-run partnership, while Harshit Rana added late fireworks via a 43-ball 52. But the target eventually proved to be out of India's reach, as the result marked India's fifth home ODI series defeat since 2010.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Kudos to Virat Kohli! 54th century is just phenomenal 👏. And Harshit Rana was a silver lining. But the team needs to find consistency. Losing a home series always hurts more.
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Aman W
The middle order experiment isn't working. We keep shuffling players. Gill's captaincy is still young, but the team management needs to have a clearer vision. Good to see them thinking about 2027, but we need to win today's matches too!
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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it was a fantastic match! Mitchell and Phillips were outstanding. Kohli's century in a losing cause shows his class. India will bounce back, they have too much talent not to.
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Karthik V
The fifth home series loss since 2010 is a stat that should worry everyone. We dominate at home in tests, but our ODI form has been patchy. Need to find the right balance between experimenting and winning.
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Nidhi U
Feel for Gill. Leading a new-look side isn't easy. The positives are Virat's form and the fight shown by Rana & Reddy. The journey to 2027 starts with these tough lessons. Onwards and upwards! 💪

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