India captain Shubman Gill defended struggling opener Rohit Sharma following the 1-2 ODI series defeat to New Zealand. Despite Rohit's 61 runs across three innings, Gill noted that not every start converts into a big score. The series ended with a 41-run loss in the decider at Indore.
India lost the ODI series to New Zealand 1-2, marking New Zealand's first series win in India since 1988. In the third and decisive match at Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18, 2026, New Zealand posted 338, while India was bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, falling short by 41 runs in a steep chase. India slumped to 71 for four early on, but Virat Kohli's record-extending 54th ODI century, along with half-centuries from Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) and Harshit Rana (52), offered some resistance on a batting-friendly pitch with short boundaries.
Captain Shubman Gill defended Rohit Sharma's poor form, where the opener aggregated just 61 runs in three innings without converting his starts. "You won't always convert starts," Gill said. He highlighted Kohli's batting as a major positive and noted that the team has "lots of areas" needing improvement. Gill praised Harshit Rana's contribution at No. 8 and the fast bowlers' efforts, while emphasizing opportunities for Reddy ahead of the World Cup. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had earlier noted Reddy's limited impact.
New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell lauded the team's unity, calling it the "sum of all parts." Daryl Mitchell, adjudged Player of the Series with scores of 84, 131 not out, and 137, credited staying present. Debutant Jayden Lennox highlighted the depth in New Zealand cricket, saying the win shows talent despite an inexperienced lineup.
