IND vs NZ: 'Worst Coach Ever' - Fans Slam BJP, Gautam Gambhir after India's ODI Series Defeat

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In a thrilling series decider, New Zealand scripted history by defeating India by 41 runs to clinch their maiden ODI series win on Indian soil, sealing the three-match contest 2-1.

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first on a batting-friendly Indore pitch. New Zealand got off to a disastrous start, slumping to 16/2 within four overs as Arshdeep Singh (golden duck for Henry Nicholls) and Harshit Rana struck early blows.

Will Young (30) added some stability, but the game turned dramatically through a massive 219-run fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell (137 off 131 balls) and Glenn Phillips (106 off 88 balls). Their aggressive centuries rescued the Black Caps from early trouble and propelled them to a commanding 337/8 in 50 overs.

India's chase began promisingly but soon unravelled with early losses. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill fell cheaply, leaving the middle order under pressure. Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass, smashing his 54th ODI century (124) - his seventh against New Zealand - with trademark elegance and determination. Supported by fighting knocks from Nitish Kumar Reddy and a maiden ODI fifty from Harshit Rana (52), India kept themselves in the hunt briefly.

However, New Zealand's spinners, led by debutant Jayden Lennox and captain Michael Bracewell, choked the run flow, forcing errors. The required rate climbed, and Kohli's dismissal in the 46th over triggered a collapse. India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.

Mitchell's Player of the Match performance and the historic partnership proved decisive. This landmark victory marks New Zealand's first bilateral ODI series triumph in India, ending a long wait since their tours began. A fighting effort from Kohli went in vain as the Black Caps celebrated a memorable achievement on a high-scoring venue.

The fans reacted on social media after India's defeat. A few of them hailed Kohli for his herculean knock, while the majority of them criticized the Indian team.

Fans have called for team effort, rather than one man show as Kohli ran out of partners.

The fans have turned on the India head coach and chief selector for the ODI series defeat. Although the Indian team have done well in patches, they lacked in the bowling department.

This fan has criticized BJP for politicizing cricket in India and slams Gautam Gambhir as well.