Indian captain Shubman Gill has provided clarity on KL Rahul's batting position ahead of ODI series against New Zealand.

Gill also indicated that India are unlikely to make significant changes to their established top-order combination.

India captain Shubman Gill has provided clarity on the team’s batting combination ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. With both sides preparing for an exciting 50-over contest, Gill has offered insights into India’s batting strategy, including the roles of experienced campaigners and the flexibility within the middle order.

One of the biggest talking points has been KL Rahul‘s batting position. The wicketkeeper-batter has established himself as an important member of India’s ODI setup, but his exact position could depend on how the innings unfolds. Gill has now explained how the team plans to utilise Rahul and why flexibility will be crucial.

India to retain their settled top four

Speaking ahead of the opening ODI, Gill indicated that India are unlikely to make significant changes to their established top-order combination. The captain suggested that the first four batting positions are relatively settled, with the team preferring to maintain continuity at the top.

Gill himself opens the innings alongside veteran batter Rohit Sharma, while former India captain Virat Kohli occupies the number three position. Shreyas Iyer is expected to continue at number four, giving India a formidable right-handed top order.

The Indian skipper also acknowledged that the remaining batting positions offer greater room for experimentation, depending on the requirements of a particular match.

“For us, positions five, six and seven are flexible. If you look at our top four, they are pretty much settled, and all four are right-handed batters,” Gill said during the pre-match press conference.

This approach suggests that India are keen to retain their established batting structure while keeping enough options available to tackle different match situations.

Shubman Gill explains KL Rahul’s ideal batting position

Gill also addressed the much-discussed question surrounding Rahul’s position in the batting order. Rather than assigning the experienced batter a fixed number, the Indian captain explained that his promotion would depend on the situation and the kind of batter required at that particular stage.

Rahul has previously demonstrated his ability to bat in multiple positions in ODIs. His experience, composure and ability to accelerate during the latter stages make him a valuable option in India’s middle order. However, Gill highlighted that left-handed batter Axar Patel could also be promoted if India need to disrupt the opposition’s bowling plans or introduce a left-right combination.

“So, depending on the situation, if we feel the need for a left-hander at number five, we can send Axar Patel. Similarly, if the platform is set and we feel KL Rahul is the right batter to come in, we make that decision based on the match situation,” Gill added.

India expect to repeat T20 heroics in the ODI leg

The upcoming ODI series presents India with an opportunity to regain momentum after a competitive five-match T20I series against New Zealand. India initially dominated the contest by winning the first three matches and securing an unassailable lead. However, the visitors fought back strongly, claiming victories in the final two games to reduce the series margin to 3-2.

New Zealand will now look to carry that late resurgence into the ODI leg, while India will be determined to begin the 50-over series on a winning note. With experienced batters, multiple middle-order combinations and a flexible approach, Gill’s men will hope to make a strong statement in Auckland on November 4.