India’s home ODI series against New Zealand ended in disappointment as the visitors claimed a 41-run victory in the third and deciding match at Holkar Stadium in Indore, sealing their first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil.
India captain Shubman Gill openly **accepted responsibility alongside opening partner Rohit Sharma for the team’s failure to post a competitive score while chasing 338. Gill, who scored just 23, and Rohit, dismissed for 11, struggled to provide the strong start India needed.
New Zealand’s innings was powered by commanding centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106), helping the visitors reach 337/8. Despite a brilliant 124-run knock from Virat Kohli, India could only muster 296 all out in reply.
Reflecting on the campaign, Gill said all top-order batters must take the blame for missed opportunities and failure to convert starts into big scores. He also pointed to fielding lapses and lack of support in key moments as factors that cost India crucial momentum.
The defeat marks a rare home series loss for India in the 50-over format and underlines both the continuing rise of New Zealand cricket and areas where the Indian batting unit must improve.
