India captain Shubman Gill has clarified that KL Rahul’s batting position in the middle order will remain flexible during the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Rather than assigning fixed positions to batters at No. 5, 6 and 7, the team management intends to make decisions according to match situations, the number of overs remaining and the balance required in the batting lineup.

Speaking ahead of the first ODI in Auckland on November 4, Shubman Gill explained that India’s top four are largely settled, but the middle order offers the team greater tactical flexibility. He also pointed out that the presence of left-handed batter Axar Patel allows India to adjust their combination depending on the opposition and conditions.

“For us, positions five, six and seven are flexible. If you look at our top four, they are pretty much settled, and all four are right-handed batters. So, depending on the situation, if we feel the need for a left-hander at number five, we can send Axar Patel. Similarly, if the platform is set and we feel KL Rahul is the right batter to come in, we make that decision based on the match situation,” Shubman Gill said.

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The Indian skipper further stressed that the middle-order positions should not be restricted by predetermined batting numbers. Instead, the team wants players to take responsibility according to the demands of the game.

“Personally, I feel that positions five, six and seven are more about the number of overs remaining and the situation of the game rather than sticking to fixed batting positions. We are very happy with the way our top and middle order is shaping up,” he added.

Shubman Gill: We will have 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.

Whenever Hardik bhai comes back, no 7/8 will also be taken care of. Happy with batting group leading up to the World Cup

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) November 3, 2026

Gill also highlighted the importance of Hardik Pandya’s return, suggesting that the all-rounder’s presence would strengthen India’s batting depth and provide greater balance to the playing XI.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill discussed India’s decision to include a relatively young group of fast bowlers for the five-match ODI series. He explained that taller bowlers can generate additional bounce, making life difficult for batters, particularly when conditions offer limited seam movement or swing.

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India’s pace attack features Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi. According to Shubman Gill, the primary objective is to make scoring difficult and create wicket-taking opportunities during the middle overs.

The ODI series follows India’s 3-2 defeat of New Zealand in the five-match T20I contest. Although India secured a 3-0 lead, the visitors bounced back by winning the final two matches. New Zealand will look to carry that momentum into the 50-over format, while Gill’s side will be eager to begin the ODI leg with a victory.