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Shubman Gill trains for three hours ahead of IND vs NZ ODIs; Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma skip nets

India’s opening batter Shubman Gill led a grueling three-hour training session at Eden Park on Monday, preparing for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Gill, who skipped Sunday’s practice, focused on extended batting drills and fielding exercises, including close-in catches and boundary throws, while also addressing neck stiffness with a massage.

KL Rahul joined him for batting practice, starting with wicketkeeping drills before moving to the nets, where he showcased trademark inside-out drives. Meanwhile, senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad opted to stay indoors, with Kohli completing a gym session instead of joining the field work.

The team’s limited full-squad training time before the series opener on November 4 reflects the logistical challenges of traveling from Hamilton, where the fifth T20I concluded, to Auckland. Fast bowlers Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, and Auqib Nabi rested after bowling lengthy spells the previous day, while local spinners and bowlers provided practice bowling for the batters.

Fans gathered outside the ground, calling out to Gill and Rahul for autographs and selfies, adding to the pre-match buzz ahead of India’s split-squad preparations.

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Gill turns up the volume at Eden Park; Kohli opts for gym, Rohit stays indoors