Sports

Gill Highlights World Cup Focus Ahead of India’s New Zealand ODI Series

By icc

India captain Shubman Gill expressed confidence in his squad’s depth as the team prepares for a five‑match ODI series against New Zealand, with an eye on next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Gill said any Indian side is capable of defeating any opposition and that the series offers a chance to test young talent in overseas conditions similar to those expected in South Africa. He noted that New Zealand’s pitches provide lateral movement and bounce, and that the weather in November is closer to South African conditions than the hotter climates of December and January.

Gill discussed bowling strategy, emphasizing the use of tall, expressive fast bowlers to break middle‑over partnerships on bouncy tracks. He highlighted the potential of bowlers like Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna to make run‑scoring difficult, especially when they can hit the right areas. Gill also mentioned a flexible middle order, with a floating approach for positions five and six, allowing the inclusion of left‑handers such as Axar Patel or KL Rahul depending on match situations.

The captain also spoke about Hardik Pandya’s fitness, noting the all‑rounder’s unique qualities and hoping for his return after recent niggles that kept him out of the IPL and India A matches. Pandya is expected to play domestic cricket before rejoining the national side.

India’s five‑match ODI series in New Zealand begins with the first game in Auckland on 4 November, followed by matches in Wellington, Hamilton, and Mount Maunganui on 7, 10, 13, and 15 November respectively.