Shubman Gill’s extended training session at Eden Park reveals how India’s captain is preparing for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, offering insights into the squad’s readiness and individual player management strategies as the tournament approaches.
Gill’s Three-Hour Training Session and Strategic Preparation
Team India captain Shubman Gill invested a three-hour training session at Eden Park on Monday, demonstrating intensive preparation ahead of the five-match ODI series beginning Wednesday, November 4. According to published reports, Gill had skipped the previous day’s training on Sunday but compensated with the extended Monday workout, suggesting a deliberate approach to managing training load and preparation timing.
During his session, Gill progressed through multiple training phases. He completed batting practice before transitioning to fielding drills, working specifically on close-in catches and slip positions. His fielding work extended to boundary practice, where he focused on high catch techniques—a practical skill set directly applicable to ODI match situations where positioning and reflexes determine field success.
KL Rahul’s Parallel Preparation and Batting Focus
KL Rahul was the only other designated batter to train alongside Gill during the Monday session. Rahul began his work with wicketkeeping gloves, spending approximately 15 minutes receiving throwdowns from support staff before transitioning to batting practice. His session emphasized trademark batting strokes, particularly the inside-out drive—a shot selection that reflects his playing style and technical consistency.
The parallel training of Gill and Rahul demonstrates coordinated preparation between the captain and a key batter ahead of the tournament, though the different durations of their sessions suggest varying preparation requirements or game-day readiness assessments.
Senior Players and Workload Management
While Gill and Rahul committed to extended outdoor training, some senior squad members adopted alternative preparation approaches. Virat Kohli completed gym-based training rather than participating in the outdoor nets session. Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad remained indoors during the same training window, indicating that not all squad members follow identical preparation schedules.
This differentiation in training approaches reflects modern cricket team management, where workload management, recovery protocols, and individual conditioning needs take precedence over uniform squad training. Senior players with extensive match experience often employ personalized preparation routines rather than standard group sessions.
Squad Structure and Tournament Context
India named a split squad for the five-match ODI series, with Gill leading the side for the first three matches and Shreyas Iyer taking over as captain for the final two matches. This structure allows the board to manage playing schedules across multiple tournaments and player rotations, a strategic decision that affects preparation priorities for different squad members.
The tournament begins November 4, with the squad scheduled for collective training on Tuesday, providing one additional preparation day before the opening match. This compressed timeline between Monday’s individual training sessions and the series opener underscores why some players prioritized extended practice time during available windows.
Injury Context and Squad Adjustments
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the ODI series following a left hamstring injury sustained during the West Indies series, requiring squad depth to absorb his absence. Additionally, Nitish Kumar Reddy is scheduled to feature only in the opening ODI before joining India A in Lincoln. These squad adjustments create specific preparation needs, as remaining bowlers must accommodate expanded responsibilities.
Gill’s three-hour session reflects both personal preparation as captain and the practical reality of limited training time before a five-match tournament where squad rotation and injury management directly impact match outcomes. The intensity and duration of his workout demonstrate a deliberate approach to readiness in a condensed preparation window.
Sources and further reading
- Shubman Gill trains for three hours ahead of IND vs NZ ODIs; Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma skip nets — cricketaddictor.com, 2026-11-02