Knocks of 137 and 106 from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips took New Zealand to a commanding 337\/8 on a two-paced black soil pitch, before the visitors held their nerve to overcome Virat Kohli\u2019s valiant 54th ODI century \u2013 124 off 108 balls - and bowl out India for 296 in 46 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The result also marked India\u2019s fifth home ODI series defeat since 2010. \u201cAfter the first match, coming here 1-1, the way we played disappointed. There are areas we need to look back, reflect, and do better,\u201d said Gill in the post-match presentation ceremony.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He praised Kohli\u2019s impressive form and highlighted the contributions of Harshit Rana, who impressed with the bat at number eight by hitting 52 \u2013 his first ODI fifty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe way Virat is batting is always a plus. The way Harshit has batted in this series, batting at number eight is not easy. The way he stepped up and the way the fast bowlers bowled in this series was good as well,\u201d added Gill.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead to the 2027 Men\u2019s ODI World Cup, Gill said the team management was keen to provide opportunities to young seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who hit 52 in the unsuccessful chase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe way Virat is batting is always a plus. The way Harshit has batted in this series, batting at number eight is not easy. The way he stepped up and the way the fast bowlers bowled in this series was good as well,\u201d added Gill.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s chase faltered early as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul departed cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 71\/4. Kohli (124 off 108 balls) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) revived the hosts' hopes with a fighting 88-run partnership, while Harshit Rana added late fireworks via a 43-ball 52. But the target eventually proved to be out of India\u2019s reach, as the result marked India\u2019s fifth home ODI series defeat since 2010.<\/p>\r\n\r\n