NEW DELHI: Star India batter Virat Kohli was spotted carrying packaged drinking water bottles in a bag upon the team's arrival ahead of the third and final ODI between India and New Zealand in Indore. Kohli's actions highlighted the water contamination crisis the city of Indore is currently facing.

India captain Shubman Gill has also reportedly brought along a water purification system worth Rs 3 lakh during the team's stay in Indore. According to multiple media reports, he set up the system in his hotel room, determined not to take any chances with his health.

While the Indian cricket team usually stays at top hotels that provide packaged drinking water, Gill appears to have gone a step further, taking personal precautions to ensure his safety.

Indore's Bhagirathpura area faced a serious public health emergency when sewage contaminated the city's drinking water supply. The outbreak of water-borne illnesses that followed was devastating, claiming at least 23 lives and affecting countless others.

India's home ODI record at stake

India's absolute dominance at home will come under examination when they meet a determined New Zealand in the decisive third ODI at the high-scoring Holkar Stadium on Sunday, with the three-match series locked at 1-1.

India have not lost a bilateral ODI series at home since March 2019, when Australia overturned a 0-2 deficit to win 3–2, including the decider in Delhi. But that history is now firmly on the line.