India captain Shubman Gill has provided a reassuring update on his recurring neck problem ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The right-handed batter confirmed that he completed an extended batting session and fielding drills without experiencing any discomfort during training in Auckland.

Shubman Gill's neck has troubled him on several occasions over the last two years, with the most serious episode occurring during the first Test against South Africa in November 2025.

No issue at all - Shubman Gill gives reassuring update on recurring neck issues

Shubman Gill on “issue in the neck”: No issue… I batter for close to one and a half hours and did my fielding without any trouble too. No issue at all.

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) November 3, 2026

Shubman Gill addressed the concern during the pre-match press conference ahead of India's first ODI against New Zealand. The India captain was asked about his neck after reports emerged that he had received a massage following a training session in Auckland.

The India skipper clarified that he had no difficulty during his batting or fielding work. His comments will come as a relief for the Indian team, considering the time he spent away from international cricket following his neck injury.

"No issue… I batted for close to one and a half hours and did my fielding without any trouble too. No issue at all," Gill said.

Gill's latest update comes after a history of neck-related setbacks. He has missed several matches since 2024 due to neck issues. He returned to international cricket after rehabilitation, but a similar issue resurfaced during IPL 2026.

Axar Patel and KL Rahul given flexible role in batting order

Shubman Gill also discussed India's batting combination ahead of the ODI series. The captain indicated that the team would adopt a flexible approach for the No. 5 and No. 6 positions, with Axar Patel and KL Rahul likely to be considered according to the match situation.

India's top four are all right-handed batters, which could make a left-handed option useful in certain situations. Gill explained that Axar could be promoted when the team needs a left-hander, while Rahul could also move up the order depending on the circumstances.

"We will have floating approach for no.5 and no.6. Our top four is set, all right-handers. So if lefty is needed, Axar bhai goes and depending on match situation even KL bhai can go. So bit flexible," Gill said.

The India captain also explained why the team cannot field its strongest combination for entire ODI series against New Zealand.

"Had ODIs happened before T20Is, we could have played full strength all games. But turnaround time was less between Tests and ODIs… and WTC table is very interesting now," he added.

Shubman Gill's recurring neck injury explained

Gill's neck problems date back to July 2024, when he missed India's second T20I against Sri Lanka because of a neck spasm. He was also unavailable for the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024 due to neck stiffness.

The most serious episode occurred during the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in November 2025. Gill experienced discomfort while batting in India's second innings and retired hurt after facing only three deliveries. He was taken to hospital for medical assessment and subsequently missed the second Test as well as the ODI series against South Africa.

In December 2025, Gill explained the nature of the problem during an interview ahead of India's T20I series against South Africa. He revealed that he had suffered a cervical disc bulge that was pressing against nerves. He underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before returning to international cricket.

The issue resurfaced during IPL 2026, when Gill missed Gujarat Titans' match against Rajasthan Royals because of a neck spasm. He returned for the next game against Delhi Capitals and described the problem as "something similar" when asked about his previous injury.