IND vs NZ: Gautam Gambhir applauds India’s ‘Incredible’ T20I Series Triumph in New Zealand
Following the recent T20I series victory over New Zealand, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir shed light on his working style with the team during the post-match press conference after the conclusion of the T20I series. He admitted that coaching the senior men’s team across all three formats can be mentally exhausting, yet he remains prepared to manage the pressure.
After securing a 3-2 series win against New Zealand, the former Indian batter acknowledged that transitioning between different formats is demanding; however, he emphasized that he is fully aware of what the role entails and is always ready to embrace the challenge. Gambhir stated that he is a thorough professional, and that terms like "fear" or "fatigue" have no place in his dictionary.
"In my dictionary, my lexicon, and my philosophy, there is no room for fear—the word simply does not exist in my life. We are professionals, and I have always believed that there is no place for excuses," Gambhir said during the post-match press conference.
"From a workload perspective, I know it’s tough. It can be extremely challenging—especially when you are constantly on the road and dealing with the immense pressure that comes with the job. Coaching a team like India means you aren't given an inch of leeway; everyone expects you to win every single game, but one also needs to remain realistic. I am enjoying it," he said.
When asked whether he felt "mentally stressed and drained" from juggling between different formats, Gambhir replied,
"Yes, to be honest, I do, but I am strong enough to manage it. I am resilient enough to keep going for as long as possible. That’s how I’m built—I can handle the pressure; I can take the heat. But yes, I am human, and there will be times when I feel tired—yet, so far, I’ve been able to cope."
Following Team India’s 3-2 victory in the T20I series, Gambhir also expressed his pride in Shreyas Iyer & side. He noted that, of all the series on this tour, the T20I series was the most challenging. While the ODI and Test teams had time to prepare, the T20I side did not—and yet, they still managed to win the series. Gambhir praised the team’s performance in the first three T20Is, which helped them secure an unassailable lead in the five-match series.
"First and foremost, it’s an incredible effort, considering the boys had only one day to prepare. They were dealing with different conditions, different weather, and different ground dimensions—all while playing against a quality side like New Zealand, a team with vast experience in T20 cricket. Furthermore, for most of these boys, it was their first-ever tour of New Zealand," said Gambhir.
"The fact that, after just one practice session and a 15-hour flight, the guys could deliver a performance like this—especially against a quality opponent—speaks volumes. This team deserves a great deal of credit." "This is an achievement that I believe we should always talk about."
Gautam Gambhir further clarified that the T20I team will continue to play cricket fearlessly—a motto the team has set for themselves. He also praised captain Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, noting that he did an excellent job managing an inexperienced pace-bowling attack.
"Shreyas has done a fantastic job, especially given the lack of experience in the bowling lineup. As a captain, you are only as good as the performances of your bowlers or batters—and that is particularly true when you’re working with an inexperienced attack. I think he has done an exceptional job."
Shreyas Iyer took over as T20 captain earlier this year, succeeding Suryakumar Yadav after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 victory. His tenure did not get off to the best start; India suffered a 0-2 series defeat against Ireland and a 0-4 loss to England during their UK tour. However, the team made a strong comeback, winning gold at the Asian Games and securing series victories against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Meanwhile, a five-match series against the West Indies ended in a 2-2 draw.
"When Shreyas took charge, he inherited a highly successful team—a side that had won the World Cup and hadn't lost a single T20 series in two years. Naturally, we faced a significant challenge following the World Cup." "We also gave opportunities to several new players," Gambhir said.
India won the first three T20I matches against New Zealand but faced defeat in the final two matches, played in Auckland and Hamilton. Following the conclusion of the T20I series, both teams will now face each other in the ODI format. The first ODI between the two sides will be played in Auckland on November 4. Team India will play the first three ODIs under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, while Shreyas Iyer—who is also the vice-captain for the ODI format—will lead the team for the final two ODIs. Veteran batters such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul will be seen playing in the 50-over format.
