Shubman Gill joins India’s T20I squad in Auckland before 4th NZ match

India captain Shubman Gill has joined the Indian squad in Auckland ahead of the fourth T20I against New Zealand, alongside KL Rahul and Gurnoor Brar. Gill was spotted wearing a fitness-tracking device ‘temple’ as he joined the team’s preparations, drawing attention during the training session.

The development comes as India continue their preparations for the remainder of the T20I series and the upcoming ODI assignment against New Zealand. With the T20I series already sealed, the squad has also begun looking ahead to the 50-over matches.

Shubman Gill links up with India’s T20I team ahead of 4th NZ match

Gill, Rahul and Brar joined the squad during India’s final training session ahead of the fourth T20I. Although the session was optional, several players turned up at the nets, including Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Shubman Gill spent an extended period batting across multiple sessions and was also seen training alongside Abhishek Sharma. The India captain appeared focused on getting valuable time in the middle, while his discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir offered a glimpse of the planning taking place ahead of the ODI series.

KL Rahul, who had been part of the India A setup, also joined the senior squad for training. Since the session was primarily organised for the T20I team, Gill and Rahul rotated between the nets and faced different bowlers.

Shubman Gill’s presence at training came with the ODI series approaching, making the session an opportunity to get into rhythm before taking on leadership responsibilities in the 50-over format.

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Shubman Gill to leave India ODI squad vs New Zealand after three matches

Gill is set to leave India’s ODI squad after the first three matches of the five-match series to focus on preparations for the upcoming Test assignment. He will captain India in the opening three ODIs, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain.

For the final two matches, Iyer is set to take over the captaincy, while Ishan Kishan will serve as vice-captain. The planned change will allow Shubman Gill to shift his attention towards the Test squad after completing his initial ODI duties.

Abhishek Sharma backed to join India ODI squad

Meanwhile, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has backed Abhishek Sharma for a place in the ODI team after the opener’s impactful performances in the T20I series against New Zealand.

Kaif acknowledged that breaking into the current ODI side would be difficult because of the established opening options, but said Abhishek was ready if an opportunity arose.

“He should be picked for ODIs as well. But till the two openers are there, there is no place now. He is doing the right things,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

He also argued that criticism of Abhishek as a ‘flat track bully’ overlooked his performances in different conditions, including in New Zealand. Kaif added that the batter had shown he could adapt and produce influential innings.

“People should stop saying that he can play only on flat tracks. He has played in different conditions and delivered,” he said.

Kaif further praised Abhishek’s ability to change games quickly, saying his attacking starts had helped India post imposing totals. He believes the opener is moving closer to an ODI opportunity, even if a place in the current team remains difficult to secure.

Source: cricketaddictor.com