Gill Reveals Flexible Middle Order Plan and Hardik Comeback Route

India captain Shubman Gill has revealed his plans for the middle order ahead of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which starts at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, 4 November.

Gill said the top four batting spots are set, and all four are right-handers, so the number five and six spots will float.

If the match situation calls for a left-hander, Axar Patel will go in, while KL Rahul can also fill either spot depending on how the game is going.

Gill also gave an update on Hardik Pandya, who has not played for India since the 2026 T20 World Cup final.

He said the team management stays in regular touch with the all-rounder, who picked up a niggle before an India A match, and hopes he plays some domestic cricket before returning to the side.

Gill added that Hardik’s return would also settle India’s lower order, taking care of the number seven and eight spots, and said he himself is fully fit after the neck trouble that kept him out for nearly a month, having completed full batting and fielding sessions without any discomfort.