India captain Shubman Gill admitted that the team has “a lot of areas” to address after suffering a 2–1 ODI series defeat to New Zealand, despite standout performances from Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana in the decider at Indore on Sunday.

Chasing a stiff target of 338, India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, going down by 41 runs. Kohli once again stood tall under pressure, registering his record-extending 54th ODI century, but the hosts were left reeling after a top-order collapse that saw them reduced to 71/4. Half-centuries from Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) and Rana (52) added some resistance, though it wasn’t enough on a batting-friendly surface with short boundaries at the Holkar Stadium.

“Coming here with the series at 1–1, the way we played today is disappointing,” Gill said at the presentation ceremony. “There are areas we need to reflect on and improve.”

Gill, however, highlighted positives from the series, praising Kohli’s consistency and Rana’s emergence as a dependable lower-order batter. “The way Virat is batting is always a big plus for us. Harshit batting at No. 8 is not easy, and the way he stepped up was impressive. The fast bowlers also did a good job throughout the series,” he said.

Speaking about Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gill stressed that the management remains committed to backing the young all-rounder with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. “We want to give him opportunities, give him enough overs, and see what combinations work best for us and for him,” Gill explained.

Gill’s remarks came amid scrutiny over Reddy’s role, especially after assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate’s blunt assessment following India’s loss in the second ODI.

For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell capped off a sensational series by winning the Player of the Series award, courtesy of scores of 84, 131* and 137. “Winning in India is always special,” Mitchell said. “As a group, we focused on building partnerships and staying present. Domestic cricket over the years has prepared me for moments like these.”

Under Michael Bracewell’s leadership, New Zealand scripted history by clinching their first-ever ODI series win in India since 1988, despite missing several frontline players.

“This is incredibly special for us,” Bracewell said. “We’re a small country taking on big teams, and the way this group has stuck together is remarkable. Mitchell has been outstanding, and seeing debutants embrace the occasion has been fantastic.”

Debutant Jayden Lennox echoed those sentiments, saying the series win underlined the depth of New Zealand cricket. “We may be inexperienced, but there’s a lot of talent back home. Performing in big moments on big stages shows the strength of our system,” he said.

(By PTI Inputs)

Also Read: A pattern emerging? Gautam Gambhir’s India faces uncomfortable questions