By Admin 
Shubman Gill Commented On The ODI Series Defeat: Indian captain Shubman Gill, after losing the ODI series to New Zealand on Sunday, January 18, 2026, said that Virat Kohli’s excellent form and Harshit Rana’s all-round performance are positive aspects. But the Indian team needs improvement in many areas. Virat Kohli scored his record 54th ODI century, but India, chasing the target of 338 runs, was all out for 296 runs in 46 overs and lost by 41 runs. Despite half-centuries from Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) and Harshit Rana (52), the host team fell far short of the target.
Shubman Gill gave statement on defeat in ODI series
Shubman Gill said at the awards ceremony, ‘After the first match and coming here at 1-1, we are disappointed with the way we played.’ He said, ‘There are some areas which we have to look at, think about and do better. The way Virat is batting is always a positive aspect. The way Harshit has batted in this series is fantastic. Batting at number eight is not easy. The way he performed from the front and the way the fast bowlers bowled in this series was also good. Gill said, ‘Keeping the World Cup in mind, we want to give him (Nitish Kumar Reddy) opportunities and we want to give him enough overs and see what kind of combinations work for us and what kind of bowling works for him.’
Daryl Mitchell said on being selected ‘Player of the Series’
Daryl Mitchell, who was chosen ‘Player of the Series’ after playing innings of 84, 131 not out and 137 runs in the ODI series, said that living in the present was good for him. He said, ‘It is good to contribute to the team. It is special to register a victory here in India. The way we built partnerships as a group is good. He further said, ‘I am trying to live in the present and hopefully take the right decisions. I love playing for my country. Domestic cricket helped me for so many years. This 34-year-old player was also a part of the New Zealand team that defeated India 3-0 in the Test series in 2024-25.
Bracewell reacted to the victory in the ODI series
The New Zealand team was missing some key players and the team won its first series in India since 1988 under the captaincy of Michael Bracewell. Bracewell said, ‘For the first time a New Zealand team has won an ODI series here, it is special. You always expect to come here and play good cricket. As a group, we did what we do best.