India began their ODI series against New Zealand in Auckland on a strong note, winning the first match by five wickets after restricting the hosts to 185 runs. A revised target of 143 was set in 32 overs, and India chased it down comfortably, with Virat Kohli contributing 74 runs and Shubman Gill adding 56 off 51 balls. In the bowling department, Gurnoor Brar claimed 3/44, Anshul Kamboj returned 2/22, and Arshdeep Singh took four wickets to skittle New Zealand out for 185.

The result was a positive start for Gill's side, who are also keeping an eye on World Test Championship points following a critical two-Test series. India have four ODIs remaining on this New Zealand tour, and the schedule ahead also includes white-ball assignments against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. With the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup scheduled for 2027, every series carries added significance for the team's preparations.

Ajinkya Rahane, currently serving as a pundit on Sony Sports Network's expert panel for India's tour of New Zealand, took to his YouTube channel to share his assessment of Gill's leadership. Rahane, who himself captained India in Test cricket, was effusive in his praise for the 25-year-old's approach to the role.

What did Rahane say about Gill's captaincy?

Rahane pointed to Gill's on-field demeanour and his ability to manage players as the standout qualities of his captaincy. He noted that while batting form can be inconsistent for any player, the confidence Gill carries onto the field sets him apart as a leader. Rahane also observed that Gill has been improving with each passing series, rotating his bowlers effectively and making timely decisions.

"Shubman's performance, batting-wise, has been brilliant. His records tell you a story. What I like most about him, the way he plays, is his confidence. The way he walks onto the field, his attitude, that intent, is very important. Form can fluctuate. You score runs one day, you might not the next, but Shubman obviously has that confidence, and he has been scoring runs of late. But the most important thing is how he is improving as a captain with every series. He is handling the players very maturely, rotating his bowlers and making the right changes. So, those are good signs that he is growing with every series," Rahane noted on his YouTube channel.

How did Gill become India's ODI captain?

Gill was appointed India's ODI captain on October 4, 2025, taking over from Rohit Sharma, who had retired from the format. Selectors backed Gill with an eye on the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, wanting him to settle into the role well in advance. India's early ODI assignments under his leadership included series against Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Gill had already demonstrated his credentials before the ODI captaincy arrived. In the summer of 2025, he led India in a two-Test series against England in his maiden stint as Test captain, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 754 runs at an average of 75.40, as the series ended in a 2-2 draw. He had also been vice-captain when India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Currently ranked as the top ODI batter in the world, Gill is now captaining India in the first three ODIs of the New Zealand tour, with Shreyas Iyer set to take charge for the final two matches. KL Rahul serves as vice-captain for the two-Test series that forms part of the same tour.