In a thrilling series decider, New Zealand scripted history by defeating India by 41 runs to clinch their maiden ODI series win on Indian soil, sealing
the three-match contest 2-1.
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first on a batting-friendly Indore pitch. New Zealand got off to a disastrous start, slumping to 16/2 within four overs as Arshdeep Singh (golden duck for Henry Nicholls) and Harshit Rana struck early blows.
Will Young (30) added some stability, but the game turned dramatically through a massive 219-run fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell (137 off 131 balls) and Glenn Phillips (106 off 88 balls). Their aggressive centuries rescued the Black Caps from early trouble and propelled them to a commanding 337/8 in 50 overs.
India's chase began promisingly but soon unravelled with early losses. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill fell cheaply, leaving the middle order under pressure. Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass, smashing his 54th ODI century (124) - his seventh against New Zealand - with trademark elegance and determination. Supported by fighting knocks from Nitish Kumar Reddy and a maiden ODI fifty from Harshit Rana (52), India kept themselves in the hunt briefly.
However, New Zealand's spinners, led by debutant Jayden Lennox and captain Michael Bracewell, choked the run flow, forcing errors. The required rate climbed, and Kohli's dismissal in the 46th over triggered a collapse. India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.
Mitchell's Player of the Match performance and the historic partnership proved decisive. This landmark victory marks New Zealand's first bilateral ODI series triumph in India, ending a long wait since their tours began. A fighting effort from Kohli went in vain as the Black Caps celebrated a memorable achievement on a high-scoring venue.
The fans reacted on social media after India's defeat. A few of them hailed Kohli for his herculean knock, while the majority of them criticized the Indian team.
For two decades, Sachin Tendulkar carried Team India and the hopes of a billion people.
- Monk Investor (@MonkInvestor1) January 18, 2026
For the last 15 years, Virat Kohli has done the same.
We found Kohli before Sachin retired — the transition was seamless.
Now, once again, India is waiting for the next one.
Hopefully,… pic.twitter.com/hiHDZf3VAc
Fans have called for team effort, rather than one man show as Kohli ran out of partners.
Individual Brilliance se 'Records' bante hain, par 'Tournaments' nahi jeete jate. 🏏📉
Virat Kohli ne apna kaam kar diya (100 runs), lekin bowlers aur middle order ka kya?
We need a Team effort, not just a One Man Show.
#IndVsNZ #ViratKohli #RealityCheck- Hiten (@Hiten09979040) January 18, 2026
Why doesn’t this ODI team have a bowler like Varun Chakravarthy? Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar seem to be turning Team India into a laboratory, and in the process, risking long-term damage. We are losing Tests at home. We are losing ODI matches. What once used to be extremely…
- Mithilesh Dhar (@cricmith) January 18, 2026
The fans have turned on the India head coach and chief selector for the ODI series defeat. Although the Indian team have done well in patches, they lacked in the bowling department.
Gautam Gambhir as India Coach:
•Lost ODI series vs Sri Lanka
•Lost home Test series vs New Zealand
•Lost BGT 4-1
•Draw against a subp England side
•Lost ODI series vs an Aussies team
•Made undeserving Gill captain
• LOST ODI series vs Nz Team In Home
Worst coach ever. pic.twitter.com/Hdjt3MmqEF- (@Atomickohli17) January 18, 2026
This fan has criticized BJP for politicizing cricket in India and slams Gautam Gambhir as well.
The politicisation of Indian cricket by the BJP/Jay Shah is not just killing the sport but it’s also destroying Indian cricket 🤌🏼
- Zaan (@OnlyZaaan) January 18, 2026
Gautam Gambhir would’ve been sacked long back had he not been a BJP member but who cares in India he’ll get away with his nationalism gimmick 😭
