Gill says Hardik Pandya’s return will sort India’s No.7 and No.8 on eve of Auckland ODI
Shubman Gill said in Auckland on November 3, 2026, on the eve of the first ODI of the five-match series against New Zealand, that "If Hardik Pandya comes into the team, then our number seven and number eight positions will also be sorted. We will look like a much more balanced team in terms of batting," and highlighted the impact of Pandya’s prolonged absence on India’s balance.
Pandya, who normally bats at No. 6 or 7, has been sidelined since the IPL because of multiple injury issues, the latest being stress on his shin just before an anticipated return to competitive cricket for India A, Gill said. "Firstly, I think he (Pandya) is a great player. The qualities he brings to the team are possessed by very few players in the world. Having a fast-bowling all-rounder who can bowl in every phase of the game, with the new ball, in the middle overs and at the death, along with the kind of batting he offers, is extremely valuable. It has been very unfortunate that he hasn't been able to play since the IPL," Gill told mediapersons.
On Pandya’s rehabilitation and reintegration, Gill confirmed ongoing contact and an expected domestic comeback before a return to the national side. "Yes, we have had multiple conversations. He was supposed to play the India A matches, but just before that, he had some niggles again. "Hopefully, he will be fit soon, play some domestic cricket, and then we will see him back in the side," Gill said.
Gill framed the series in Auckland as an opportunity to build belief ahead of next year's World Cup, saying a successful tour would prove the side can cope despite missing key players. "I feel that any Indian team that steps on the ground is capable of beating any other team. Definitely, young players will gain a lot of confidence if they perform well here. "We will also get confidence from the fact that if, for any reason, we don't get the team we want for the World Cup, our team is still capable of beating any other side in any conditions," he said.
On batting order flexibility, Gill insisted positions five and six would be adjusted according to match situations rather than fixed roles. "For us, positions five and six are a bit flexible. If you look at our top four, they are pretty much settled, and all of us are right-handed batters. Sometimes, if we feel that we need a left-hander at number five, we use Axar Patel. "If we feel the platform has been set and KL Rahul needs to go in and accelerate, we make that decision according to the situation," Gill explained. "Personally, I feel that the number of overs remaining and the position we are in matter more than the fixed batting positions at five and six."
Discussing conditions at Eden Park, Gill pointed to short straight boundaries and to similarities with South African conditions as factors for both batters and bowlers to consider. "For me, it is definitely tempting, considering that the straight boundary is only around 50–55 metres. It will definitely be at the back of our minds. We are playing in conditions that are going to be much more similar to South Africa than some of the other countries where we will be playing," Gill said. "Keeping that in mind, getting experience for our bowlers and batters will be important. I also think the weather conditions will be similar. It won't be as hot in South Africa (in October) as it would be in December or January. "So, I think the conditions are going to be quite similar, and that experience will definitely help us."
On the challenge posed by tall, quick bowlers, Gill warned of the increased risk batters face and the need for precise shot-making against high-paced seamers. "You have to be very precise with your shot-making. You have to be right on top of your game to score against someone who is bowling at 140-plus kmph and is six feet one, six feet two or six feet three inches tall. "There is a lot more risk when you are trying to score freely against that kind of a bowler."
The remarks came ahead of India’s opening match against New Zealand in the five-match ODI series in Auckland; Gill framed a series win as a chance for young players to gain confidence and for the squad to demonstrate depth despite the current unavailability of players such as Hardik Pandya.
