Gambhir urges India to keep fit and improve after 3-2 T20I series win in New Zealand
On November 2, 2026, India head coach Gautam Gambhir, speaking from New Zealand after India's five-match T20I series, urged his players to stay fit and continue improving following the conclusion of the tour.
India clinched the series 3-2, opening with three successive victories to secure the contest before New Zealand won the final two matches. The campaign featured selection challenges: Ishan Kishan missed two matches because of an injury concern, and the bowling unit included newcomers Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav on their first appearances in New Zealand.
Addressing the squad in the dressing room after the fifth T20I, Gambhir praised the team's effort and preparation, telling players: "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 also emphasised the series' role within the wider tour and accepted disappointment over the final two defeats while noting the group's broader contribution, saying: "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."
With the T20I leg complete, India’s next assignment in the format is a three-match home series against Sri Lanka in December; the players will have roughly a month away from international T20 cricket. Gambhir warned that the break should not result in a drop in fitness, saying: "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 closed his remarks by urging continued team development and focus on future tasks, adding: "We can't take any opposition lightly. We have to continue growing as a team, thinking as a team and playing as a team." India will now turn their attention to the upcoming ODI and Test assignments against New Zealand, with the T20I group set to regroup ahead of the Sri Lanka series in December.
