'The bottom line is...': Gautam Gambhir's blunt verdict on India's ODI series defeat against Australia

India head coach Gautam Gambhir reflected on the team's recent white-ball tour of Australia and remarked that there is no reason why a series loss should be celebrated. Though the Men in Blue triumphed in the T20I series by 2-1, Mitchell Marsh & Co. had earlier won the ODI series by the same scoreline.

Gambhir plays down individual performances

Gambhir mentioned that individual performances do not matter much as the bottom line is that they lost the series. He further said that there is no reason why a series defeat should be celebrated.

“I’ve always believed it’s not about individual performances. Yes, we had some brilliant individual efforts, but ultimately, we lost the one-day series. That’s the bottom line. As a coach, I can never celebrate a series loss," Gambhir said in an interview with BCCI.

“I think it is my moral responsibility that we as a nation and we as individuals should never celebrate a series loss. Because ultimately, we are representing the country," he added.

Though Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had made their much-awaited returns to international cricket with the series, Team India weren't able to put up decent performances in the first two games and ended up recording defeats on both occasions. Their consolatory win in the third match didn't count to much as Australia had already won the series by emerging victorious in the first two games.

Gambhir on India's preparations for T20 WC

On the other hand, Gambhir also remarked that the T20I team is currently not where they want them to be when it comes to the preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup and have three months to reach their target. He further went on to emphasise the importance of fitness ahead of the mega-tournament.

“Our dressing room has been very transparent and honest, and we aim to maintain that. I think we’re still not at our target for the T20 World Cup. “Hopefully, the players understand the importance of being fit. We have three months left to reach where we need to be," Gambhir stated.

ALSO READ: 'We have three months left...': Gautam Gambhir's strong message for Team India ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

Meanwhile, with their white-ball tour of Australia now concluded, India are now set to host South Africa for what will be a gruelling assignment. It will include two Tests, three ODIs, five T20Is and will commence from November 14.