Batters Could Not Capitalise on Starts, Fielding Fell Short: Gill After ODI Series Defeat to New Zealand

Indore: Following India’s 1–2 home ODI series loss to New Zealand, captain Shubman Gill admitted that the team underperformed across departments, particularly highlighting the inability of batters to convert promising starts and subpar fielding standards throughout the series.

New Zealand sealed their maiden ODI series victory over India on Indian soil with a 41-run win in the third and final match in Indore. The defeat also marked India’s first loss in 14 home ODIs after winning the toss.

The series came around 16 months after New Zealand’s Test side had earlier whitewashed India 3–0 in a three-match series in 2024.

Chasing in the third ODI, India were put under early pressure after losing Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul within the first six overs, slipping to 71/4 by the 13th over. Virat Kohli attempted a recovery with his 54th ODI century, but India eventually fell short against a New Zealand side powered by centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.

“All of us, all the batters. We haven’t been able to convert our starts. In India, these are high-scoring games, and if especially the top two batters don’t go on to make big scores, it becomes difficult to post competitive totals,” Gill said during the post-match press conference.

He was equally candid about India’s fielding. “Honestly, our fielding in this series was not up to the mark. We dropped some crucial catches, and on wickets like these it’s not easy for bowlers to create opportunities. This is an area we really need to improve.”

Gill pointed out that these factors proved decisive. “The difference between the two teams was that their batters converted starts, and they were better in the field. New Zealand must have saved at least 15–20 runs today, and that makes a big difference,” he added.

Reflecting on the bowling performance, particularly that of Kuldeep Yadav—who managed three wickets across the series at an average above 60—Gill remained supportive.

“Sometimes these things happen. Kuldeep has been a strike bowler for us over the last couple of years. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t take more wickets this time, but series like these help us learn and grow as a team,” he said.

India and New Zealand will now face off in a five-match T20I series beginning Wednesday, which will be India’s final assignment before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to start on February 7.

With inputs from IANS