Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has questioned the Gautam Gambhir-led team management following India’s shock ODI series defeat to New Zealand, suggesting that frequent changes to the playing XI may have cost the hosts the three-match contest.

India suffered their first-ever ODI series loss to New Zealand on home soil after failing to chase a challenging target of 338 in the series decider at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. Despite a fighting century from Virat Kohli and half-centuries from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, the hosts were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, losing the match by 41 runs.

Rahane highlighted the lack of stability in India’s ODI setup and stressed the need for greater clarity from the team management, especially with the ODI World Cup approaching.

"There will be tough questions. India lost five ODIs in the last nine. The reason is because there are too many changes. That's why I said, you are looking at the World Cup where players need that security, they need that clarity from the management," Rahane said on Cricbuzz.

He explained the importance of backing a settled group of players rather than making frequent tweaks to the lineup. Rahane also admitted that expectations were high heading into the series, especially considering the composition of New Zealand’s squad.

"If you are going to play certain players in that format, it's always about clarity. There will be tough questions, which is very natural, especially from the fans. Indian cricket is so connected. Everyone wants India to win matches and series, especially at home. Playing against New Zealand, which was their A or B team, with due respect to all the players, expectations were there. We all thought India would win easily, probably 3-0. But the way New Zealand played has been amazing," said Rahane.

Gambhir’s tenure as head coach has been a mixed bag so far. While India have enjoyed considerable success in the T20I format, their performances in ODIs and Tests have been inconsistent. Under Gambhir, India won the Champions Trophy in 2025 but have also suffered ODI series defeats to Sri Lanka, Australia, and now New Zealand.