India Test captain Shubman Gill is reportedly planning to take four to five personal net bowlers to New Zealand at his own expense ahead of the upcoming ODI and Test series. The 27-year-old will cover their travel and accommodation costs to arrange dedicated batting practice during the overseas tour.
New Zealand's seam-friendly conditions have often challenged visiting batters, particularly those from the subcontinent. The upcoming Test series is also crucial for India’s hopes of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Men in Blue are currently fifth in the standings with a PCT of 51.520.
Shubman Gill To Arrange Personal Net Bowlers For New Zealand Tour
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) usually provides net bowlers for team practice on overseas tours. However, Shubman Gill reportedly wants additional sessions tailored to his batting needs, allowing him to work with bowlers outside the team's scheduled training, according to PTI.
"This is interesting. Gill isn't playing India A Tests as he also has to play ODIs. Hence, he is leaving for New Zealand on October 23 or 24. The four to five bowlers accompanying him will have all their expenses paid by Gill," a BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Gill will not feature in the three-match red-ball series between India A and New Zealand A because of his ODI commitments. The private bowlers could help him make up for the lack of match practice by allowing him to face sustained spells before the senior team's Test series.
Shubman Gill Looks To Improve His Record In New Zealand Conditions
Shubman Gill has never played a Test match in New Zealand. His only previous senior-level appearance in the country came during his ODI debut in 2019, when he managed just 16 runs across two matches at a strike rate of 50.00. He then waited 22 months for his next ODI appearance for India.
The Indian captain heads into the tour after an impressive five-Test series against England earlier this year, scoring 754 runs. He will aim to carry that form into New Zealand, where lateral movement and seam-friendly pitches can test his technique and decision-making.
The additional sessions will give Gill an opportunity to work on specific aspects of his batting against the moving red ball. This preparation could help him adapt to conditions he has yet to experience in Test cricket.
Shubman Gill To Play Ranji Trophy Before New Zealand Tour
Shubman Gill is expected to represent Punjab in the second round of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy. He missed Punjab's opening match against Assam due to personal reasons but has made himself available for the fixture against Chhattisgarh, which begins in Mullanpur on October 18.
The domestic match will give Gill valuable red-ball practice before his departure on October 23 or 24, while his early arrival in New Zealand will provide additional time to prepare for the conditions.
India's tour begins with a five-match T20I series on October 22, followed by three ODIs starting November 4. Gill will lead India in the first three ODIs before Shreyas Iyer takes over for the final two matches.
The two-match Test series will begin on November 19, with Gill expected to play a key role as India compete for World Test Championship points.
Also read: India Test squad for New Zealand tour announced, Mohammed Shami snubbed
