India captain Shubman Gill acknowledged his side's shortcomings in fielding and death-overs bowling after the third and final ODI against West Indies in New Chandigarh on 3 October, even as India sealed the series 2-1. Despite posting a commanding 351 for seven, India conceded a five-wicket defeat — a result Gill described as a lesson ahead of a demanding international calendar.

India's Batting Firepower Sets Up Big Total

Electing to bat, India built their innings on a 137-run second-wicket stand between Rohit Sharma (92) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (57). The platform was then exploited by KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten on a career-best 129 off 87 balls in ODI cricket. The total looked imposing, but the West Indies had other ideas.

Shai Hope's Historic Chase Sinks India

West Indies captain Shai Hope produced a monumental 162 not out at a strike rate of 113.29, orchestrating the visitors' highest-ever successful run chase in ODI history. It was also the West Indies' first ODI win over India since 2023. The chase exposed gaps in India's tactical execution during the closing overs — gaps Gill was candid about after the match.

Gill Identifies Death Bowling as a Concern

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill pointed to a lack of clarity in the team's death-bowling strategy as a key factor. 'Death bowling as well. I feel, sometimes we are not really clear whether we are attacking or we are defending, especially when we are bowling the death overs. One day, such a game, if the opposition is five or six down, you are never really sure what fields to take, whether we are going for the death too early or we are still bowling kind of like middle overs. I think these are some areas which definitely we need to be better at,' he said.

He also explained the decision to hold back wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav's remaining overs, citing an injury scare to pacer Gurnoor Brar. 'We didn't know if Gurnoor was gonna come back and bowl with his cramps. So there was a bit of uncertainty there. And we knew the match was gonna go till the end. And he's a wicket-taker, and I wanted his couple of overs to be there in the end,' Gill added.

Dropped Catches a Worry Ahead of World Cup

Gill was particularly pointed about India's fielding standards across the series, estimating that the side dropped approximately six or seven catches — a number he described as unacceptable at this stage of the team's preparation. 'Our fielding could be much better. Overall in the series, I think we dropped around six or seven catches, which is not a good sign leading up to the World Cup. You want your fielding to be top-notch,' he said.

On his own early dismissal to Jayden Seales, Gill was philosophical: 'You're always disappointed whenever you get out early. But I think today, I don't think I could have done much that I would have done on that ball.'

Eye on New Zealand Series and World Cup Build-Up

With a five-match ODI series in New Zealand scheduled for November, Gill stressed the need for the squad to sharpen both fielding and tactical execution in the death overs. The series win against the West Indies offers encouragement, but the dropped catches and bowling lapses in the final game serve as a timely reminder of the work still ahead as India build toward the World Cup.