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Gambhir: India's T20 win in NZ sets tone for tour

India’s T20 side, led by captain Shreyas Iyer, has delivered a commanding 3-2 series win over New Zealand in the shortest format, despite arriving in the country with minimal preparation time. The victory came after a grueling schedule that saw the team play four matches across different venues with little rest between games, a challenge that head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged in his praise for the players’ resilience.

Gambhir emphasized that the team’s performance sets a strong foundation for the upcoming ODI and Test series, calling it a defining moment ahead of the tour’s longer formats. With the five-match ODI series beginning soon and Tests set to follow, Gambhir urged the T20 players to maintain their fitness for the next assignment—a home series against Sri Lanka in December—while stressing the importance of continued teamwork and improvement.

The win underscores India’s ability to adapt quickly, even when facing a quality opponent in New Zealand’s home conditions. Gambhir’s remarks highlighted the team’s ability to seize opportunities, particularly after a tight series where they secured the final two wins to turn the tide.

The coach’s focus now shifts to ensuring the momentum carries over into the longer formats, where India will look to build on this early success in the tour.

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