Team India suffered a setback on January 18, 2026, as New Zealand clinched a 2-1 ODI series victory, securing their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil. The final match in Indore saw the Kiwis triumph by 41 runs, powered by Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips' centuries, despite a valiant ton from Virat Kohli.

The series, part of both teams' preparations for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, witnessed a mix of thrilling performances and unexpected collapses. India's squad, led by Shubman Gill, included seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, alongside fresh talent. However, New Zealand, under Michael Bracewell, proved too strong, demonstrating resilience and adaptability throughout the series.

In the decisive match at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, New Zealand recovered from an early setback, with Mitchell (137) and Phillips (106) forging a magnificent 219-run partnership. Their aggressive batting propelled the visitors to a formidable 337/8 in their 50 overs. Kohli's magnificent 124, his 54th ODI century, became the centerpiece of India's chase, but the middle order faltered, and India was eventually bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.

This series defeat marks a historic moment for New Zealand, ending a long wait for an ODI series victory in India. The Black Caps had previously toured India for bilateral ODI series seven times without success. The victory is particularly impressive considering they achieved it with a somewhat second-string team, missing key players.

While details on Pakistan's record were not found in the search results, India's loss means they were unable to equal any such record in this series.

Looking ahead, India and New Zealand will now clash in a five-match T20I series. The first T20I is scheduled for January 21, 2026, in Nagpur. Both teams will aim to fine-tune their squads and strategies for the T20 World Cup.