India captain Shubman Gill has outlined the team's middle-order strategy ahead of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, confirming that the management
will adopt a flexible approach for the No. 5 and No. 6 positions.
Gill revealed that Axar Patel and KL Rahul are expected to move up or down the batting order depending on the match situation, while the top four positions remain settled. India will begin the series against New Zealand on Wednesday at Eden Park in Auckland, with the team looking to get its combination right ahead of the opening encounter.
Speaking ahead of the first ODI, Gill explained that the presence of left-handed batter Axar Patel would allow India to maintain a balance in the middle order. The captain also indicated that experienced wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul could be promoted depending on the requirements of the game.
Gill Explains India's Flexible Middle-Order Strategy
Gill confirmed that India are comfortable experimenting with their batting positions at No. 5 and No. 6 rather than sticking to a fixed order.
"We will have a floating approach for no. 5 and No. 6. Our top four is set, all right-handers. So if a lefty is needed, Axar bhai goes, and depending on the match situation, even KL bhai can go. So bit flexible," Gill said.
The strategy will give India the option of introducing a left-handed batter to disrupt opposition bowling plans while also allowing Rahul to take responsibility higher up the order when required.
Shubman Gill Provides Update On Neck Injury
Meanwhile, Gill also dismissed concerns surrounding his previous neck injury, which had forced him out of international cricket for nearly a month in late 2025.
The India captain had suffered a cervical disc bulge and neck spasm that affected his nerves. He remained under medical observation before being discharged the following day.
However, Gill insisted that he was now completely comfortable and had experienced no discomfort during his batting and fielding sessions.
"No issue. I batted for close to one and a half hours and did my fielding without any trouble too. No issue at all," he said.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series: Full Schedule
India and New Zealand are set to face each other in a five-match ODI series, beginning on November 4.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 4 | 1st ODI | Auckland | 7:30 AM |
| November 7 | 2nd ODI | Wellington | 7:30 AM |
| November 10 | 3rd ODI | Hamilton | 7:30 AM |
| November 13 | 4th ODI | Mount Maunganui | 7:30 AM |
| November 15 | 5th ODI | Mount Maunganui | 7:30 AM |
