'Any Indian Team Can Win': Shubman Gill Backs Squad Depth Ahead of NZ ODIs
Captain Shubman Gill expresses confidence in India's squad depth ahead of the New Zealand ODI series, eyeing the 2027 World Cup.
As India prepares to face New Zealand in a crucial ODI series starting November 4, skipper Shubman Gill has sent a strong message of confidence regarding the team's current composition. Speaking to reporters in Auckland on Tuesday, Gill asserted that the depth of Indian cricket is such that any combination of players taking the field is capable of defeating any opponent in the world.
Building a Blueprint for 2027
With the Indian ODI setup currently in a phase of transition, Gill views the series in New Zealand as more than just a bilateral contest. He believes this tour is a vital stepping stone toward the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Gill emphasized that winning in New Zealand would serve as a massive psychological boost, particularly for the younger members of the squad. He noted that proving their mettle in challenging overseas conditions would provide the team with the assurance that they can remain competitive even if their ideal World Cup squad is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances.
A Blend of Experience and Youth
The Indian squad heading into this series presents an interesting mix of veteran stability and fresh energy. While the batting lineup remains anchored by the legendary presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the bowling department is significantly younger.
The team is navigating several absences of key senior players:
- Jasprit Bumrah: The ace fast bowler is not part of the white-ball squad.
- Hardik Pandya: The experienced all-rounder remains sidelined due to injury.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Despite featuring in the recent series against the West Indies, he has been left out of the New Zealand tour.
Taking the mantle in the bowling department is a group comprising Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, and Kuldeep Yadav. Gill expressed his belief that while the attack is young, it possesses all the necessary qualities to succeed.
The South Africa Connection
One of the most strategic aspects of this tour is the similarity in conditions. Gill highlighted that the weather and pitch behaviors in New Zealand are far more reminiscent of what the team will encounter in South Africa during the 2027 World Cup than the conditions found in other cricketing nations.
"The World Cup will certainly be at the back of our minds. These conditions are going to be much more similar to those in South Africa... The weather conditions around this time of the year are also likely to be closer to what we might experience in South Africa," Gill explained.
Tackling the Bounce
The captain also touched upon the technical challenges of playing in New Zealand. He noted that the pitches typically offer significant bounce, which serves as a rigorous test for both the batters' technique and the bowlers' precision.
Gill believes that playing across various venues in New Zealand will provide the young bowling attack with invaluable exposure, allowing them to adapt and evolve. He concluded with optimism, stating that the team is ready to learn from the experience and deliver strong performances on the field.