Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 2: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged his players to maintain their fitness and continue improving their game during a month-long break from T20 International cricket following India's 3-2 series victory over New Zealand.

India won the first three matches to seal the five-match series but New Zealand bounced back by claiming victories in the final two games on home soil.

Addressing the players in the dressing room after the fifth T20I, Gambhir praised their performance, highlighting the limited preparation time and the challenge of playing against a quality opponent in unfamiliar conditions.

"You can be extremely proud of the effort that you guys have put in throughout the series. Winning the series, especially when you had just one day to prepare and were playing against a quality team like New Zealand in their own backyard, is a terrific achievement. You should be extremely proud," Gambhir told the players.

India also faced a few setbacks during the series. Ishan Kishan missed two matches due to an injury concern, while relatively inexperienced pacers Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav made their first appearances in New Zealand.

Gambhir said the T20I team had set the tone for the remainder of the tour and urged the ODI and Test squads to build on the team's performance.

"You can go back with your heads held high. We wanted to win the last two games as well, but sometimes these things happen. I thought you guys have set the tone for the rest of the tour. Before the start of the series, I said that you had the responsibility to set the tone. Now, it is up to the ODI and Test teams to continue from where you have left off," he said.

India's next T20I assignment will be a three-match home series against Sri Lanka in December. With approximately a month before their next international T20 commitment, Gambhir asked the players to use the break to remain physically fit and prepare for the upcoming series.

"We know that we don't play enough T20 cricket, and we've got a month off now. So, make sure we stay in shape and prepare well for Sri Lanka," he said.

The India coach also cautioned the players against becoming complacent after the series win, stressing the importance of continued improvement and collective responsibility.

"We can't take any opposition lightly. We have to continue growing as a team, thinking as a team and playing as a team," Gambhir added.

India will now turn its attention to the ODI and Test assignments against New Zealand, while the T20I squad prepares for the home series against Sri Lanka in December.