India clinched a 3-2 victory in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand after winning the opening three matches to establish an unassailable lead. The final encounter took place at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 1, 2026, where the touring side suffered a seven-wicket defeat. Despite the loss in the fifth T20I, the series result represented a significant achievement for India, who had minimal preparation time before the contest began and faced a quality opponent on home soil.
Gautam Gambhir,the
head coach, addressed the squad following the series conclusion, acknowledging the obstacles the team had overcome during the tour. The India squad had contended with injury concerns, with Ishan Kishan missing two matches due to a fitness issue. Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav gained valuable international experience during the tour, making their first appearances in New Zealand against a competitive opponent.
"You can be extremely proud of the effort that you guys have put in throughout the series. Winning the series, especially when you had just one day to prepare and were playing against a quality team like New Zealand in their own backyard, is a terrific achievement. You should be extremely proud," Gambhir said in a video released by BCCI.
Gambhir praises team effort in dressing room address
Gambhir emphasised the responsibility placed on the T20I team to establish momentum for the rest of the tour, with the ODI and Test squads to follow in subsequent assignments. He reflected on the strategic importance of the series and acknowledged the players' contribution to the overall tour strategy.
"You can go back with your heads held high. We wanted to win the last two games as well, but sometimes these things happen. I thought you guys have set the tone for the rest of the tour. Before the start of the series, I said that you had the responsibility to set the tone. Now, it is up to the ODI and Test teams to continue from where you have left off," Gambhir said.
The squad faces approximately one month away from international T20 cricket before regrouping for the next assignment. Gambhir stressed the importance of maintaining fitness during this break, as the team prepares for upcoming commitments.
"We know that we don't play enough T20 cricket, and we've got a month off now. So, make sure we stay in shape and prepare well for Sri Lanka," Gambhir said.
The India T20I squad will return home and shift focus to the ODI and Test series against New Zealand. In December, the team will regroup for a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, marking the next phase of international cricket for the format.
Gambhir concluded his message to the squad by emphasising the need for continued growth and consistency moving forward. He warned against complacency and stressed the importance of maintaining standards in all future contests.
"We can't take any opposition lightly. We have to continue growing as a team, thinking as a team and playing as a team," Gambhir said.
