India, Jan. 15 -- India captain Shubman Gill spoke about the loss in the second ODI at Rajkot, where New Zealand produced a clinical chase to draw the series level at 1-1. Despite removing the openers early, India's bowlers were unable to sustain pressure as Daryl Mitchell and Will Young took control of the innings. Their 162-run partnership for the third wicket shifted the momentum decisively in New Zealand's favour, leaving the hosts with little room to claw back into the contest as the chase slipped away.

Shubman also admitted that India's inability to take wickets during the middle overs proved costly and allowed New Zealand to stay in control of the chase.

"We couldn't pick up any wickets in the middle overs. With five fielders in,...