Gill reveals India's ODI batting order for NZ: Top four are all right-handers
Synopsis
India captain Shubman Gill has mapped out a clear batting blueprint for the New Zealand ODI series — a fixed top four of Gill, Rohit, Kohli, and Iyer, all right-handers, with Axar Patel and KL Rahul floating at five and six. He also signalled that Hardik Pandya must earn his way back via domestic cricket, framing it as a World Cup selection process already in motion.
Key Takeaways
Shubman Gill confirmed India's top four for the New Zealand ODI series as himself, Rohit Sharma , Virat Kohli , and Shreyas Iyer — all right-handers.
KL Rahul and Axar Patel will interchange at No.
6 depending on match situation.
Hardik Pandya has not played since the IPL due to injury and will need to play domestic cricket before an India recall.
Gill dismissed concerns over his cervical disc and neck injury sustained in November 2025 , saying he completed batting and fielding drills without trouble.
Gill will captain India in only the first three ODIs before being released for Test series preparations .
India captain Shubman Gill on Tuesday confirmed the team's batting lineup for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, revealing that the top four positions are locked in with all right-handers — himself, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer. The series opener is scheduled for Wednesday in Auckland.
The Batting Order Plan
Gill confirmed a flexible arrangement from No. 5 downwards, with left-handers KL Rahul and Axar Patel interchangeable depending on match conditions. 'We will have a 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 at the pre-match press conference ahead of the first ODI.
Hardik Pandya's Road Back to the Squad
Gill also addressed the return of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been absent from international cricket since the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to injury. The captain expressed confidence in Pandya's ability while cautioning that a domestic cricket stint would be required before any international recall. 'Whenever Hardik bhai comes back, No. 7-8 will also be taken care of. Happy with batting group leading up to the ODI World Cup. He is a great all-rounder. Not many players in the world have his skill set,' Gill said. He added: 'We have had multiple conversations. He is unfortunate with his injuries. He will play some domestic cricket. And hopefully we will get him back in the Indian team soon.'
Gill's Neck Injury: No Lingering Concerns
Gill, who sustained a cervical disc bulge and neck spasm during the Kolkata Test against South Africa in November 2025 — an injury that kept him out of international cricket for nearly a month — was quick to dismiss any ongoing fitness concerns. '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. The skipper had been hospitalised for examination after the injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test but was discharged the following day.
Gill's Limited Role as Captain
Notably, Gill will lead India only for the first three ODIs of the series before being released from the squad to begin preparations for the two-Test series later this month. This comes amid India's structured workload management as the team builds combinations ahead of the ODI World Cup cycle.
With a settled top order and flexible middle-order options, India appear tactically clear-headed heading into a series that doubles as a key audition ground for World Cup spots.
Point of View
Not just a selection update — it doubles as a signal that India are building a specific World Cup template. The floating left-hander arrangement at five and six is sensible in principle but puts pressure on Axar Patel to handle high-leverage ODI situations, a role he is still building into. The Hardik Pandya situation is the elephant in the room: framing a domestic cricket route back as 'hopeful' rather than 'scheduled' suggests the management has no fixed timeline, and every series without him at No. 7 is a structural gap India are papering over.
NationPress
3 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are India's top four batters for the New Zealand ODI series?
India's top four for the New Zealand ODI series are Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer — all right-handers, as confirmed by captain Gill ahead of the first ODI in Auckland on Wednesday.
What is India's batting plan at No. 5 and No. 6?
India will adopt a flexible approach at No. 5 and No. 6, rotating left-handers KL Rahul and Axar Patel based on match situation. Gill described it as a 'floating' arrangement to counter opposition bowling.
When will Hardik Pandya return to the Indian cricket team?
Hardik Pandya has not played since the IPL due to injury and, according to captain Shubman Gill, will need to play domestic cricket before returning to the India squad. No specific timeline has been set for his return.
Is Shubman Gill fully fit after his neck injury?
Gill confirmed he is fully fit, saying he batted for close to one and a half hours and completed fielding drills without difficulty. He suffered a cervical disc bulge and neck spasm during the Kolkata Test against South Africa in November 2025 but said there is 'no issue at all' now.
How many ODIs will Shubman Gill captain India for in the New Zealand series?
Gill will lead India in only the first three ODIs of the five-match series before being released from the squad to prepare for the two-Test series later this month.
