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Shubman Gill puts blame on bowlers, points out key mistakes after India's defeat vs NZ in 2nd ODI

Kaushik Kashyap

Shubman Gill reacts on India's 2nd ODI defeat vs NZ. [Source - @bcci.com]Shubman Gill reacts on India's 2nd ODI defeat vs NZ. [Source - @bcci.com]

In what was a brilliant performance from the visitors, New Zealand stunned India with a calm and clinical display in Rajkot to level the three-match ODI series. It was their first ODI win in India in almost nine years, with Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten hundred leading a controlled chase.

India put up a fighting total of 284, led by a superb century from KL Rahul. The pitch was not easy to bat on early, and New Zealand’s bowlers stayed disciplined throughout. Still, the hosts felt they had enough runs to challenge a strong batting side.

Indian captain Shubman Gill spoke honestly after the defeat, sharing his views on where India lost control of the game. The captain reflected on the bowling which felt flat during the middle overs and the early batting setbacks that helped New Zealand to force the series into a decider.

India’s bowling went flat after a promising start

Shubman Gill firstly shed light on India’s bowling struggles in the middle overs, saying the team started well but lost momentum. Without wickets at that stage, controlling the scoring became difficult, and New Zealand handled the chase comfortably.

“I think we could not pick any wickets in the middle overs. If you don't take wickets in the middle overs with 5 fielders inside the circle. It becomes difficult to defend a target,” Gill said.

Gill noted that despite early pressure with the new ball, the bowlers could not continue the momentum as New Zealand capitalized on loose deliveries, punishing mistakes, and managed the innings calmly.

Indian batting lacked momentum against disciplined New Zealand

India’s batting had an off day in Rajkot, with Shubman Gill reflecting on the early setbacks as New Zealand struck at regular intervals. Early wickets meant there was no big partnership and India were limited to 118 for 4.

“Honestly, on these wickets. As soon as you have a partnership, the set batters have to make it big. It is difficult for the batters coming in to score freely. But, I think in the end, we thought we did get a decent target on the board,” Gill added.

All of India’s top four were back in the pavilion early, including Virat Kohli, who looked set before being dismissed by Kristian Clarke. The surface was not easy to bat for new batters, and New Zealand’s bowlers used that well to keep India quiet for long phases.

New Zealand level series, India looks to regain momentum

By winning the second ODI in Rajkot New Zealand showed they are still a strong side even without being full strength. Winning an ODI in India after such a long gap will boost their confidence. With Mitchell in top form, they now head to Indore knowing they have a real chance to seal the series.

India, meanwhile, will hope to bounce back strongly in Indore. It is a venue where their batters usually enjoy themselves. Shubman Gill and his team will aim to put together a more complete performance, outbat the opposition, and reclaim control to clinch another home series.