Shubman Gill (Image credit: TimesofIndia.com) India captain Shubman Gill has outlined the team’s plans for the middle order ahead of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Gill said India will adopt a flexible approach for the No. 5 and No. 6 positions, with Axar Patel and KL Rahul expected to take up these roles depending on the match situation.India will begin the series against New Zealand on Wednesday at Eden Park in Auckland. According to Gill, the top four batting positions are settled, while the team is open to making changes in the middle order.“We will have floating approach for no.5 and no.6. Our top four is set, all right-handers. So if lefty is needed, Axar bhai goes and depending on match situation even KL bhai can go. So bit flexible,” Gill said ahead of the opening ODI match.

Gill plays down concerns over neck issue

Gill also dismissed concerns about his neck, which had troubled him in the past.The India captain suffered a cervical disc bulge and neck spasm that affected his nerves in late 2025. The injury kept him out of international cricket for nearly a month.He had suffered the injury on the second day of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to hospital for examination after the day’s play. He remained under observation and was discharged the following day before travelling to Guwahati on November 19, 2025.However, Gill said he was not experiencing any discomfort and had completed his batting and fielding duties without any problems.“No issue… I batter 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

DateDayMatchVenueTime (IST)November 4Wednesday1st ODIAuckland7:30 AMNovember 7Saturday2nd ODIWellington7:30 AMNovember 10Tuesday3rd ODIHamilton7:30 AMNovember 13Friday4th ODIMount Maunganui7:30 AMNovember 15Sunday5th ODIMount Maunganui7:30 AM