IND vs NZ 2026: 'If you don't take your chances, it always makes you lose' - Shubman Gill acknowledges fielding lapses after Rajkot humbling

India were not at their best as a fielding side during the second ODI against New Zealand at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14. The mistakes cost them dearly as they lost by seven wickets.

After the match, skipper Shubman Gill admitted that the fielding standards from his team have not been upto the mark in the series so far. He mentioned that not taking chances will inevitably make a team lose the match. However, the Punjab batter asserted that the team is regularly trying to improve in the fielding department.

"Even in the last match, we let down a couple of chances. It's one thing that we are always doing, especially with this team. We are always trying to get better at fielding. It's one aspect that we're always trying to get better at. And yes, if you don't take your chances, in this format, it always makes you lose," Gill said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

India posted 284/7 in the first innings as Shubman (56) and KL Rahul (112*) played brilliant knocks on a challenging surface. In reply, India did manage to get the Kiwi openers out cheaply. However, Will Young and Daryl Mitchell stitched a mammoth 162-run stand off 152 balls to steady the ship and lay the platform for a thumping win.

In the 36th over, Mitchell was handed back-to-back reprieves. Ravindra Jadeja missed a run out chance, and Prasidh Krishna dropped the all-rounder off the following delivery. The 34-year-old eventually finished unbeaten on 131 off 117 balls.

There were further uncharacteristic errors, including from Gill himself, usually among India’s safest fielders. Fans have criticised the team for its lacklustre display on the field and also questioned the role of fielding coach T Dilip.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7, the Men in Blue will have to get their act together. Meanwhile, the three-match series between India and New Zealand is tied at 1-1. The third and final ODI will be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18.