IND vs NZ 2026: 'Fielding could have been a lot more proactive' - Former India captain slams Shubman Gill's men after series defeat to New Zealand

Published - 19 Jan 2026, 13:42 IST | Updated - 19 Jan 2026, 14:06 IST

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar blamed India's 1-2 ODI series defeat against New Zealand on the lack of proactiveness in the fielding department. While the veteran cricketer-turned-commentator did not take names, he said that the disappointing fielding display impeded the Asian giants' hopes of winning the series.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, however, were not mentioned during the rant from the senior statesman. The latter finished as the highest run-getter in the series for India and second overall, behind Daryl Mitchell.

Gavaskar opined that the Indian fielders gave a lot of singles away in the middle overs due to their abysmal fielding display. He stated that the constant rotation of strike made things difficult for the bowlers and also allowed Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips to get themselves set at the crease. The experienced Kiwi duo slammed a staggering 219-run stand off just 186 balls for the fourth wicket.

"I don't want to take names, but certain individuals allowed singles to be taken very easily. Yes, Rohit Sharma was quick, and Virat Kohli, we all know what an athlete he is on the field, but I just felt the fielding could have been a lot more proactive," Gavaskar stated in a chat with Doull after the match on Sunday.

New Zealand posted a mammoth first-innings total of 337/8 after being asked to bat first by Shubman Gill. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana bagged three wickets apiece for India.

In reply, Kohli's 124 off 108 deliveries gave India hopes of a miraculous win. Half-centuries from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana also helped. However, in the end, it was New Zealand who emerged victorious by 41 runs.

After a riveting ODI series, the action will shift to Nagpur for the start of the T20I leg of New Zealand's tour of India. After Nagpur, the remaining four matches will be played on January 23, 25, 28, and 31. This will provide some great match practice for both teams heading into the T20 World Cup.