India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has firmly dismissed speculation of a dressing-room rift ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on January 11 in Vadodara. With senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to the ODI setup, rumours had surfaced suggesting possible friction within the team and the leadership group. Gill, however, has categorically denied those claims, insisting that the environment within the Indian camp remains strong and united.

Addressing the media on the eve of the series opener, Gill praised the experience and professionalism of Kohli and Rohit, underlining their long-standing commitment to Indian cricket. He stressed that the senior duo continue to play a vital role in driving standards within the team, particularly with an eye on the ODI World Cup 2027.

“I think the team atmosphere is amazing,” Shubman Gill said. “The players you mentioned have been part of this setup for decades and they are the ones who constantly try to push Indian cricket forward. Even in the last series, you saw how well they performed. So, I feel the atmosphere in the team is really good at the moment.”

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Gill also used the opportunity to reflect on India’s recent struggles in Test cricket, pointing towards the demanding international calendar as a contributing factor. According to the 24-year-old skipper, the lack of adequate preparation time between tours and matches has made it increasingly difficult for players to adapt and perform consistently in the longest format.

“Maybe it would help to have a slightly looser calendar,” Shubman Gill explained. “Earlier, teams had more time to settle in and prepare before a Test match. That breathing space helps players feel confident and better prepared for a series.”

India’s red-ball woes have been well documented over the past year. The team suffered a historic 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand, followed by a 0-2 series loss to South Africa. In between, India also relinquished the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2017, going down 1-4 to Australia on their own turf.

Those setbacks have significantly dented India’s ambitions in the World Test Championship. The defeat to South Africa in 2025, in particular, has left the team under mounting pressure as they look to stay in contention for the 2027 WTC final. According to current projections, India may need at least 7 wins from their remaining 9 Tests to qualify.

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That challenging run includes tough away tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand, along with a marquee home series against Australia. While the road ahead is demanding, Gill’s comments underline a sense of clarity and unity within the squad as India aim to reset, starting with the ODI series against New Zealand.