Shubman Gill reveals reasons behind India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand

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India captain Shubman Gill offered an honest assessment of his side’s shortcomings after India went down to New Zealand in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Despite posting a competitive total and getting early movement with the ball, India were unable to apply sustained pressure in the middle overs, a phase Gill identified as the decisive factor in the match.

After New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl, India put up 284 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a magnificent unbeaten century from KL Rahul, who once again showcased his composure under pressure. Gill, leading the side, played a fluent knock of 56, ensuring stability at the top while rotating the strike effectively.

However, India’s momentum dipped slightly in the final phase. While the surface remained good for batting, the hosts were unable to fully capitalise at the death. New Zealand pacer Kristian Clarke stood out with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 56 and preventing India from breaching the 300-run mark. In hindsight, those missing 15–20 runs loomed large.

In reply, New Zealand chased down the target with surprising comfort, reaching 286 for 3 in just 47.3 overs. The foundation was laid by a solid opening and middle-order display, with Will Young compiling a well-paced 87 that kept the scoreboard ticking.

The defining performance, however, came from Daryl Mitchell, who remained unbeaten on a superb 131. Mitchell absorbed pressure early, rotated strike during the quieter phases, and then accelerated expertly once set, making India’s bowlers look increasingly short of ideas as the innings progressed.

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Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill did not shy away from highlighting where the game slipped away. He stressed that the inability to strike in the middle overs proved decisive, especially with a defensive field in place.

“We couldn’t pick up any wickets in the middle overs. With five fielders in, if you don’t keep taking wickets in the middle overs, it becomes very difficult even if we would have added 15–20 more runs,” Gill said.

He also reflected on the changing nature of the pitch, noting that while there was assistance early on, India failed to adapt their approach once conditions eased.

“In the first 10–15 overs the ball was doing a little bit. But after 20–25 overs, the wicket settled. We could have been a little bit more brave while bowling in the middle overs and taken more chances,” he added, also pointing towards fielding lapses that allowed New Zealand to maintain momentum.

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