India and New Zealand prepare for upcoming cricket series

Indian captain Shubman Gill is expected to miss Punjab’s opening Ranji Trophy match against Assam. He is anticipated to participate in the second match against Chhattisgarh, scheduled for October 18–21, to regain match fitness ahead of India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand.

New Zealand has announced its squad for the five-match ODI series against India starting November 4. Led by Mitchell Santner, the team will utilize a split squad strategy. Following the first three ODIs, eight players—including Devon Conway, Matt Henry, and Nathan Smith—will transition to Test preparations. Seven new players, including Finn Allen and Lockie Ferguson, who are returning to the ODI setup after significant absences, will join the squad for the final two matches.

The full tour schedule includes a T20I series starting October 22, followed by the ODI series and a two-match Test series. Gill is slated to lead the Indian ODI side starting November 4.