Following India’s shocking ODI series loss to New Zealand, Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has questioned the Gautam Gambhir-led team management, speculating that frequent changes to the playing XI may have cost the hosts the three-match match.
After failing to chase a difficult goal of 338 in the series decider at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, India lost their first-ever ODI series to New Zealand on home soil. In spite of a valiant century from Virat Kohli and half-centuries from Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, the hosts lost the match by 41 runs after being bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.
Rahane emphasised the need for more clarity from the team management, particularly with the ODI World Cup coming up, and pointed out the instability in India’s ODI system.
“The questions will be difficult. In the last nine ODIs, India has suffered five defeats. The excessive number of changes is the cause. Rahane stated on Cricbuzz, “You are looking at the World Cup where players need that security, they need that clarity from the management.”
He underlined the value of sticking with a core group of players rather than constantly changing the starting lineup. Rahane acknowledged that, given the makeup of New Zealand’s team, there were high expectations going into the series.
“It’s always about clarity if you are going to play specific players in that manner. It is inevitable that there would be difficult questions, particularly from the supporters. Indian cricket is very interconnected. Particularly at home, everyone wants India to win games and series. With all due respect to each and every player, there were expectations while playing their A or B team, New Zealand. All of us predicted that India will win handily, most likely 3-0. However, Rahane praised New Zealand’s outstanding performance.
So far, Gambhir’s time as head coach has been uneven. India has had mixed results in ODIs and Test matches, despite its notable dominance in the T20I format. India won the Champions Trophy in 2025 under Gambhir, but they have also lost ODI series to Australia, Sri Lanka, and now New Zealand.
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