Shubman Gill plays big shots in open nets in Mohali ahead of IND vs NZ 2026 ODI series [Watch]

Team India ace batter Shubman Gill was seen working on his batting at his home ground in Mohali ahead of the upcoming ODI home series against New Zealand. The opener was recently dropped from the T20I squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup after a poor run of form to end the year.

The selectors took a massive call to drop the vice-captain after his run in the T20I side did not prove to be fruitful. The in-form wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan was recalled into the squad, while all-rounder Axar Patel reclaimed the post of vice-captain in the 15-man Suryakumar Yadav-led side.

After the shocking exclusion, Shubman Gill was named in Punjab's squad for the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy while recovering from a foot injury that he sustained during the T20I series against South Africa. He is yet to play a part in the domestic List-A tournament so far, but looked in sublime touch in nets on his road to his return.

In a short clip circulated on social media, Gill was seen playing flashy strokes across both sides of the wicket to get into his groove ahead of a crucial year. Have a look at the video right here:

With India's next Test scheduled to take place after seven months, Shubman Gill has a massive white-ball phase ahead, which includes the ODI series against New Zealand and the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), followed by a tour of England.

Shubman Gill set to lead in a home ODI series for the first time during IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs

The opening batter, still settling into his newfound role as ODI captain, will lead the team for the first time in the format on home soil in the upcoming series against New Zealand. Team India slumped to a 1-2 defeat in his maiden assignment as ODI captain in Australia in October.

The three-match series against the Blackcaps is set to begin on January 11 in Vadodara. It will be followed by a five-match T20I series, scheduled to take place from January 21 onwards.

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Edited by Gokul Nair