Auckland, 29 October (H.S.): India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill arrived in Auckland on Thursday ahead of the five-match One-Day International series against New Zealand. The series is also expected to mark the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to ODI cricket, with the opening match scheduled to be played in Auckland on November 4.

Gill arrived alongside KL Rahul and Gurnoor Brar, with all three players taking part in practice sessions after reaching New Zealand.

Upon his arrival, Gill interacted with local fans and players and posed for photographs with them. Before leaving for practice, he was also seen chatting with his longtime friend Abhishek Sharma, one of India’s prominent T20 International batters. In his previous match against New Zealand in Wellington, Abhishek had produced a blistering unbeaten 113 off just 38 balls, helping India chase down a target of 199 runs.

Gill also had a batting session in the nets as he stepped up preparations for the upcoming series. Following a disappointing performance during India’s tour of Australia last year and a series defeat against England earlier this year, this will be his third overseas assignment as India’s ODI captain. He will be keen to maintain his form and lead the side effectively during the tour.

Gill has enjoyed an exceptional year in ODI cricket. In 12 matches and 11 innings, he has scored 895 runs at an average of 111.87 and a strike rate of 118.70. His tally includes three centuries and five half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 223 against the West Indies.

He also delivered an impressive performance during the West Indies’ tour of India, scoring 334 runs across three matches. His contributions included a century of 110 in Kerala and an unbeaten 223 while chasing a target of 406 in Guwahati. However, he was dismissed for just one run in the final ODI.

Across international cricket this year, Gill has accumulated 1,095 runs in 15 matches and 15 innings at an average of 91.25. His tally includes four centuries and six half-centuries.

Gill has also established an impressive record as captain. Across 31 matches and 37 innings, he has scored 2,258 runs at an average of 72.83, including nine centuries and nine half-centuries. His highest score as captain is 269.

Gill first captained India’s T20 International side during the tour of Zimbabwe in 2024. He was subsequently appointed Test captain ahead of India’s tour of England. India drew the five-match Test series 2-2, with Gill scoring 754 runs, including four centuries.

He was later appointed India’s ODI captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma. Under Rohit’s leadership, India won the Champions Trophy in 2025.

The New Zealand tour presents Gill with an opportunity to reach the milestone of 8,000 international runs. He has so far accumulated 7,625 runs in 149 matches and 182 innings at an average of 47.95, including 23 centuries and 32 half-centuries.

He is also just 287 runs away from completing 4,000 runs in ODI cricket. In 70 ODIs and 69 innings, Gill has scored 3,713 runs at an average of 64.01 and a strike rate of 103.31. His record in the format includes 11 centuries and 20 half-centuries.

Following the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, India will turn its attention to a two-match Test series beginning on November 19. Gill is expected to leave the squad after the third ODI to prepare for the Test series.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar