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.

Harshit Rana Scored First Half-Century Against New Zealand: The last match of the 3-match ODI series between India and New Zealand was played on Sunday i.e. January 18, 2026 at Holkar Stadium, Indore. Even though Team India lost this decisive match, Harshit Rana showed his stormy batting. Coming at number-8 for India, Harshit scored his first half-century in international cricket by hitting a series of fours and sixes. Harshit came to the crease at a time when there was a need for a good partnership with Virat Kohli while holding one end of the Indian team. Harshit not only supported him, but also stunned the Kiwi bowlers by scoring a stormy half-century with fours and sixes. When Harshit scored a half-century, the reaction of head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma sitting in the dug out was worth seeing.

Harshit Rana played a brilliant innings

India, which was chasing the target of 338 runs given by New Zealand, got the sixth blow in the form of Ravindra Jadeja on the score of 178 runs. After this it seemed that the Indian innings would soon end, because only Virat Kohli was standing at one end as a batsman, but Harshit Rana surprised everyone with his batting. After playing cautiously in the beginning, Harshit opened his hands and hit a flurry of fours and sixes off the Kiwi bowlers. He completed his first half-century of ODI and international career by hitting two consecutive sixes at the beginning of the 44th over. After which Harshit was caught out by Henry Nicholls by Zachary Fox. Harshit’s innings ended on 52 runs in 43 balls. In which he hit four fours and as many sixes.

41 BALLS FIFTY FOR HARSHIT RANA

– What a fifty by Harshit Rana, he scored a majestic fifty Vs New Zealand in decider. pic.twitter.com/2qY2SZkwaV

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) January 18, 2026

Gautam Gambhir was signaling Harshit Rana to remain focused after his half century, but bro was not ready for a surprise full toss pic.twitter.com/1KtPYxBHfG

— Staunch INDIA Supporter (@KKRWeRule) January 18, 2026

Fifty for Harshit Rana.

Rohit Sharma’s reaction on Harshit Rana’s six. pic.twitter.com/82D1eIMfrN

— The sports (@the_sports_x) January 18, 2026

Rohit-Gambhir’s reaction went viral

When Harshit Rana scored a half-century in 41 balls, the reaction of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir was worth seeing. After which the photo of the reaction is going viral on social media. Gautam Gambhir asked Harshit to focus on batting instead of celebrating his half-century. At the same time, Rohit Sharma was seen laughing at the long six hit by him.