'There is no word like 'dar' in my dictionary': Gautam Gambhir's bold message after India win T20I series against New Zealand
toi
newspoint|01-11-2026
NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir had a strong message about his team's approach to handling pressure after India clinched the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 3-2, insisting that fear has no place in his dictionary.
"There is no word like “dar” (fear) in my dictionary and directory," Gambhir said at the post-series press conference after India's series victory.
The former India opener also praised his players for the way they responded to challenging circumstances, particularly in the opening match, when they secured a win despite a demanding travel schedule and limited preparation time.
“The way our boys handled pressure, winning the first game after a 15-hour flight and one practice session was commendable,” Gambhir said.
India won the first three matches to take an unassailable lead in the series before New Zealand bounced back with victories in the final two encounters. The 3-2 result nevertheless gave India a series triumph away from home, with Gambhir highlighting the team's ability to embrace pressure rather than retreat from it.
Gambhir on Rishabh Pant's injury update
Gambhir was also asked about Rishabh Pant's availability, but the India head coach did not have a definitive update on the wicketkeeper-batter.
"I don’t have an update yet on Rishabh Pant, will share when I get," Gambhir said.
The comment left Pant's immediate availability uncertain, with the team awaiting further information on his condition.
Shreyas Iyer identifies areas India need to improve
India captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged that there were areas of concern despite the series victory, particularly bowling and fielding, after the visitors lost the final two matches.
"We still could have been better with our bowling and fielding. We were a bit sloppy, but great learning. Coming overseas, coming to New Zealand, getting to play on such different occasions, different grounds, it was a great learning curve," Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
Iyer also explained that the first three victories had given India an opportunity to experiment and challenge themselves in the final two games.
"The first three games absolutely studied the rhythm for us. And then coming in the last two games, I feel we were in this position where we wanted to experiment and also challenge ourselves a bit more.
"And today was the right opportunity, and obviously, we didn't live up to it, but great learning, as I mentioned," he said.
The captain further identified fielding as an area that required particular attention, especially when playing under unfamiliar conditions.
"I don't want to think much about it, because we've got ODIs to play, but the boys are in high spirits," he said.
"It's definitely something when you come overseas, you are challenged by different aspects of the game. And the more you take the bull by the horns, the better it gets.
"We can brainstorm, and we have to work on a couple of things, especially fielding. That is one aspect of the game we need to improve on. But honestly, it's not that easy when you come under such dark lights, clear skies. You don't get that much in India, but a great learning curve."
"There is no word like “dar” (fear) in my dictionary and directory," Gambhir said at the post-series press conference after India's series victory.
The former India opener also praised his players for the way they responded to challenging circumstances, particularly in the opening match, when they secured a win despite a demanding travel schedule and limited preparation time.
“The way our boys handled pressure, winning the first game after a 15-hour flight and one practice session was commendable,” Gambhir said.
India won the first three matches to take an unassailable lead in the series before New Zealand bounced back with victories in the final two encounters. The 3-2 result nevertheless gave India a series triumph away from home, with Gambhir highlighting the team's ability to embrace pressure rather than retreat from it.
Gambhir on Rishabh Pant's injury update
Gambhir was also asked about Rishabh Pant's availability, but the India head coach did not have a definitive update on the wicketkeeper-batter.
"I don’t have an update yet on Rishabh Pant, will share when I get," Gambhir said.
The comment left Pant's immediate availability uncertain, with the team awaiting further information on his condition.
Shreyas Iyer identifies areas India need to improve
India captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged that there were areas of concern despite the series victory, particularly bowling and fielding, after the visitors lost the final two matches.
"We still could have been better with our bowling and fielding. We were a bit sloppy, but great learning. Coming overseas, coming to New Zealand, getting to play on such different occasions, different grounds, it was a great learning curve," Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
Iyer also explained that the first three victories had given India an opportunity to experiment and challenge themselves in the final two games.
"The first three games absolutely studied the rhythm for us. And then coming in the last two games, I feel we were in this position where we wanted to experiment and also challenge ourselves a bit more.
"And today was the right opportunity, and obviously, we didn't live up to it, but great learning, as I mentioned," he said.
The captain further identified fielding as an area that required particular attention, especially when playing under unfamiliar conditions.
"I don't want to think much about it, because we've got ODIs to play, but the boys are in high spirits," he said.
"It's definitely something when you come overseas, you are challenged by different aspects of the game. And the more you take the bull by the horns, the better it gets.
"We can brainstorm, and we have to work on a couple of things, especially fielding. That is one aspect of the game we need to improve on. But honestly, it's not that easy when you come under such dark lights, clear skies. You don't get that much in India, but a great learning curve."
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