
India faced a significant blow as they suffered their first-ever bilateral ODI series defeat at home against New Zealand. Captain Shubman Gill did not mince his words as he bluntly highlighted the team's lack of ability to convert starts into substantial innings. The batsmen's failure to capitalize on good starts and frequent fielding lapses proved to be costly for the team's performance. Despite the disappointing outcome, Gill chose to view the loss as an opportunity for clarity rather than a crisis. He emphasized the importance of addressing key areas for improvement before the upcoming World Cup, utilizing the time to refine strategies and strengthen the team's overall performance. As India reflects on this defeat, the focus shifts towards learning from mistakes and building a stronger foundation for future challenges.