India captain Shubman Gill has joined the squad in Auckland ahead of the fourth T20I against New Zealand, alongside KL Rahul and Gurnoor Brar. Gill attracted attention during the team’s training session after being spotted wearing a fitness-tracking device, adding an interesting detail to India’s preparations for the remainder of the tour. With India already securing an unassailable lead in the five-match T20I series, the team has also started preparing for the upcoming ODI assignment.

The final training session before the fourth T20I provided an opportunity for several players to work on their preparations, despite the session being optional. Gill, Rahul and Brar joined their teammates at the nets, where Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi were also present. Gill spent an extended period batting across multiple sessions and trained alongside Abhishek, focusing on getting valuable time in the middle. His discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir also offered a glimpse of India’s planning ahead of the ODI series.

KL Rahul, who had been involved with the India A setup, also joined the senior squad for training. As the session was primarily organised for the T20I team, Shubman Gill and Rahul rotated between the nets and faced different bowlers. Gill’s presence comes at an important stage of India’s New Zealand tour, with the right-handed batter preparing to lead the team in the opening three ODIs. Shreyas Iyer will serve as vice-captain during that period.

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However, Gill is expected to leave the ODI squad after the first three matches to focus on preparations for India’s upcoming Test assignment. Iyer will take over the captaincy for the final two ODIs, with Ishan Kishan serving as vice-captain. The planned leadership transition will allow Gill to manage his responsibilities across formats.

🚨 Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were in focus as they trained for the upcoming ODI series alongside the T20I squad at Eden Park in Auckland.

@CricSubhayan reports

#ShubmanGill #KLRahul #NZvsIND https://t.co/edXowEFF5N

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Meanwhile, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has backed Abhishek Sharma for a place in the ODI squad following the opener’s impressive performances in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.

Mohammad Kaif acknowledged that securing a place in India’s established ODI opening combination would be difficult but believes Abhishek deserves consideration if an opportunity arises. “He should be picked for ODIs as well. But till the two openers are there, there is no place now. He is doing the right things,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

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The former India batter also dismissed criticism labelling Abhishek a ‘flat-track bully’. He argued that the left-hander had demonstrated his ability to perform in different conditions, including in New Zealand. “People should stop saying that he can play only on flat tracks. He has played in different conditions and delivered,” Kaif added.

Mohammad Kaif further praised Abhishek’s aggressive approach, highlighting how his quick starts can change the momentum of a match and help India build imposing totals. Although competition for an ODI opening spot remains intense, his recent performances could strengthen his case for a future opportunity in the 50-over format.