Ajinkya Rahane Sends Strong Message to Gambhir After Home Series Defeat

Ajinkya Rahane slammed frequent team changes and lack of clarity after India lost the ODI series to New Zealand at home, calling for stability ahead of the World Cup.

Ajinkya Rahane has raised concerns over India’s direction after the team lost the three-match ODI series to New Zealand at home. The defeat marked the second time in under two years that New Zealand outperformed India, following the 3–0 Test whitewash in 2024.

India began the series with a win but dropped the next two matches. Even a strong innings from Virat Kohli failed to turn the decider. Across the last nine ODIs, India has suffered 5 losses. Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, India has now lost ODI series against Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand.

Frequent team changes have drawn in criticism, with concerns over player roles, selection stability, and balance in the bowling unit. Rahane stressed that long-term success requires clarity and security for players.

“See, there will be tough questions. India lost five ODIs in the last nine. And that’s the reason: too many changes. Again, that’s why I said: you are looking at the World Cup, where players actually need that security, that clarity frommanagement. If you are going to play certain players in that format, it’s always about clarity,” Rahane said on Cricbuzz.

“So yes, tough questions will be asked, which is very natural, I feel, because especially the fans, the Indian cricket is so connected. Everyone wants India to do well, India to win thematch, India to win the series, especially in India. Playing against New Zealand, which was probably the New Zealand A or B team, due respect to all the players. But expectations were there that we all thought that India would win easily, probably 3-0,” he added.

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Ajinkya Rahane then noted that India can use the long break from ODI cricket to reset after the home series loss. He feels the gap offers the team management enough time to review performances and identify effective combinations.

“But the way New Zealand has played was amazing. So there will be questions, tough questions. But I feel from the Indians’ point of view, they just need to follow the process. Just see which are the players you are going to bag them because six months down the line, you’re going to play your ODI cricket. You have time. After T20, there’s nothing at all,” he said.

“Probably after IPL, you’re going to play ODI. So it’s always about finding your right thing, right players, right combination, and just bag them,” Rahane concluded.