Gautam Gambhir hails team effort after India wins T20I series
India head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrated the 3-2 series victory over New Zealand on social media.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasised collective effort after the team clinched the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 3-2. India secured an unassailable 3-0 lead by winning the first three matches, though the hosts won the final two encounters.
The series concluded on Sunday at Seddon Park in Hamilton, where New Zealand defeated India by seven wickets in the fifth T20I. Despite the loss, India won the series.
Writing on X, Gambhir said, “Built as a Team. Won as a Team. Always for India.”
During a post-series press conference, Gambhir stated there is no word like “dar” (fear) in his dictionary and praised the players for handling pressure.
In the final match, India posted 191/8 after recovering from 19/2. Ishan Kishan scored 61 off 32 balls and captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 50 off 23 balls. Naman Dhir made 33 off 23 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy added 22 off 17 balls.
New Zealand reached the target in 18 overs. Tim Seifert scored 93 off 50 balls and Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 65 off 38 balls. The pair shared an 86-run partnership for the third wicket.
Adam Milne took four wickets for 19 runs for New Zealand. Other bowlers to take wickets for the hosts included Blair Tickner and Nathan Smith.