"When Will We Learn?" Shubman Gill's India Faces Tough Question Despite Win Over New Zealand

Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli during 1st India vs New Zealand ODI.© AFP

Once again, Virat Kohli emerged as the brightest spot in India's batting line-up in a 186-run chase, which was later revised due to rain. He scored 74 off 51 balls in the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday. Apart from Kohli, Rohit Sharma scored a duck, while Shubman Gill struck 37. Shreyas Iyer came in at No. 4 and scored 15. Axar Patel was promoted to No. 5 but was dismissed for a duck. He came in ahead of batters such as KL Rahul and Naman Dhir. Former India player Dodda Ganesh did not agree with the team management's decision to send Axar ahead of Rahul.

"Axar Patel ahead of KL Rahul at No. 5 despite knowing what KL has done at that position. When will we learn? #NZvIND," Dodda Ganesh wrote in a post on X.

Axar Patel ahead of KL Rahul at no 5 despite knowing what KL has done at that position. When will we learn? #NZVIND

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) November 4, 2026

While Ganesh is not happy with the line-up, India captain Shubman Gill has made it clear that India's top four will comprise himself, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, while the rest of the batting order will remain flexible.

He added that India will adopt a flexible approach in the middle order, with KL Rahul and Axar Patel, the only left-hander in the top six, sharing responsibilities depending on the match situation.

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

Talking about the match, Kohli struck a commanding 74 off 51 balls after Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj produced a scintillating bowling performance as India beat New Zealand by five wickets in a rain-affected first ODI at Eden Park on Wednesday.

India's inexperienced pace attack produced an impressive collective performance to bowl New Zealand out for 185 in 40.2 overs. In response, the visitors chased down a revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

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