Last Updated on 2 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey

Gautam Gambhir told the India players he is proud of them following their 3-2 T20I series win over New Zealand. The India coach praised the team’s ability to perform in different conditions, and that they should savour the series triumph.

“You can be extremely proud of the effort that you guys have put in throughout the series,” Gambhir said.

“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.”

Gautam Gambhir calls on India players to stay fit and ready for Sri Lanka T20Is in December

India took an unassailable 3-0 lead in New Zealand. They chased superbly in all three matches, including 199 in just 13.2 overs in Wellington courtesy of a superb Abhishek Sharma century.

New Zealand won the last two matches, but Gambhir said the players can still hold their heads up high.

“You can go back with your heads held high,” Gambhir said. “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 where you have left off.”

Gambhir then stressed the importance of remaining fit and prepared for the next T20I series in December. The coach also, interestingly, stated the team doesn’t play enough T20 cricket despite 40+ matches this year alone.

“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.

“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’s attention now shifts to the five-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on November 4. They will then play two Test matches against the Black Caps starting November 19.