IND vs NZ: Is there a Rift in India Dressing Room? Shubman Gill gives Strong Verdict

Is there an ongoing difference in opinion going on in the Indian dressing room? India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill was asked the question ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand, and he quashed the rumours with poise.

Amid the struggle in the Test format, there have been reports of diverging mentalities and opinions leading to issues within the Indian dressing room. Even in the ODIs, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's potential issue with Gautam Gambhir have been raised, but Shubman Gill has firmly dismissed speculation of internal discord within the team as they gear up for a crucial three-match ODI series against New Zealand.

"I think the team atmosphere is amazing. The players that you named have been in this atmosphere for decades and they

are the people who always, try to push the Indian cricket team forward. Even in the last series, you saw how well they performed, so I think the atmosphere of the team is great right now," Gill said in the pre-match press conference.

Reflecting on India's recent Test cricket setbacks, Gill pointed to an overcrowded international calendar as a key factor hindering performance and recovery. He contrasted the current packed schedule with looser ones from 2016-2018, when gaps allowed better adaptation for touring teams and players alike. India have so far lost two Test series at home, both being a whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in 2024, and then South Africa last year.

"I don't know. Maybe it would be easier to have a little loose calendar. Maybe it would be easier. I don't think in 2016, 2017, 2018, there was a time when, if you, if you're coming from another country, we sure you're playing a match on the 4th day. Maybe it's easier to play a match on the 10th day. Maybe it's easier to play a match on the 12th day. It gives a bit of freedom for the players as well, and it gives you that time to prepare and feel confident for the next series," he added.

The Indian ODI captain also opened up on his T20 World Cup snub, saying that he respected the selectors' decision of snubbing him.