India clinch ODI series 3-1 vs New Zealand; Shukla, Pathan, Laxman hail team
Synopsis
India defended just 209 runs to win the fifth ODI by 22 runs at Mount Maunganui, clinching a 3-1 series win over New Zealand after being pushed hard by a 244-run hammering in the fourth match. The bowling unit — led by Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel — did the heavy lifting, drawing praise from BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, Irfan Pathan and VVS Laxman.
Key Takeaways
India clinched the five-match ODI series against New Zealand 3-1 , winning the decider by 22 runs at Mount Maunganui .
India defended a total of just 209 in the series-deciding fifth ODI, a disciplined bowling performance.
Arshdeep Singh , Mohammed Siraj , and Axar Patel were singled out as key performers in the decider.
New Zealand had levelled the series with a massive 244-run victory in the fourth ODI.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla , Irfan Pathan , and VVS Laxman all praised the team's resilience and collective effort on social media.
India now turn attention to the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
India sealed a 3-1 series victory over New Zealand in the five-match ODI series, with former cricketers and officials rallying to praise the side's grit after a tense decider at Mount Maunganui on Sunday, 15 November 2026. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, and batting great VVS Laxman all took to social media to congratulate the squad on a hard-fought triumph.
Series Decider: Defending the Undefendable
India won the fifth and final ODI by 22 runs, successfully defending a modest total of 209 — a feat that drew widespread admiration given the conditions and the pressure of a series decider. The win came after New Zealand had registered a 244-run hammering in the fourth match to level the contest, making the finale a straight shootout.
Earlier in the series, India had won the opening two ODIs before the third was abandoned due to rain, leaving the series poised heading into the final exchanges.
What Rajeev Shukla Said
Rajeev Shukla, BCCI vice-president, singled out the bowling unit for special praise in his post on X. 'This is the spirit of Team India! A terrific comeback in the final ODI to seal the series 3-1. Defending a modest total with such discipline and determination was remarkable. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj were outstanding with the ball, while Axar Patel made a valuable contribution with both bat and ball. Congratulations to the entire team,' Shukla wrote.
Pathan and Laxman Add Their Voice
Irfan Pathan praised India's ability to execute under pressure across all five matches. 'What a great series win by team India vs New Zealand. Tough series but boys bowled so well under pressure thru out the series. Saturday and Sunday dono Bharat ke Naam,' Pathan wrote, mixing Hindi and English in a nod to India's back-to-back weekend wins.
VVS Laxman struck a more measured tone, crediting team character and collective effort. 'Many congratulations Team India. A well earned series victory in challenging conditions, reflecting tremendous character and collective effort. Wishing you the very best for the Test series,' Laxman wrote, also flagging the upcoming Test assignment as the next challenge for the visitors.
Key Performers and What Comes Next
Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Axar Patel emerged as the standout names in the series decider, with Axar notably contributing with both bat and ball. The bowling unit's ability to defend a below-par total on a surface that typically favours batters made the win all the more noteworthy.
India will now turn their attention to the Test series against New Zealand, with the squad expected to face a stiffer examination over the longer format. The ODI triumph, however, signals a resilient touring side capable of absorbing adversity and responding when it matters most.
Point of View
After absorbing a 244-run defeat in the previous game, is exactly the kind of character test that separates good touring sides from forgettable ones. The real story here is not the margin of victory but the bowling unit's composure — Arshdeep, Siraj and Axar held their nerve when a collapse in confidence would have been entirely understandable. The effusive social-media congratulations from Shukla, Pathan and Laxman reflect genuine surprise as much as pride; few had given India a realistic shot at defending that total. The Test series ahead will tell us whether this squad's resilience travels beyond white-ball formats.
NationPress
15 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the India vs New Zealand ODI series 2026?
India won the five-match ODI series against New Zealand 3-1. They secured the title with a 22-run victory in the fifth and final ODI at Mount Maunganui, successfully defending a total of 209.
Who were the standout performers in the series-deciding ODI?
Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj were highlighted as outstanding with the ball, while Axar Patel contributed valuably with both bat and ball, according to BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla's post-match remarks.
How did the series unfold before the decider?
India won the first two ODIs, the third was abandoned due to rain, and New Zealand levelled the contest with a comprehensive 244-run win in the fourth match, setting up a straight shootout in the fifth ODI.
What did VVS Laxman say about India's series win?
VVS Laxman described it as 'a well earned series victory in challenging conditions, reflecting tremendous character and collective effort,' and wished the team well for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
What is India's next assignment after the ODI series win?
India will play a Test series against New Zealand following the ODI campaign. VVS Laxman specifically referenced the Test assignment in his congratulatory message, flagging it as the squad's next significant challenge.
