Gill backs India's squad depth ahead of New Zealand ODIs

India captain Shubman Gill expressed faith on Tuesday in his squad's depth ahead of the opening one-day international against New Zealand in Auckland, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.

Gill spoke about the five-match series, which he said would help India prepare for next year's Men's Cricket World Cup.

"The young players will gain a lot of confidence if they perform well here," Gill said.

He added that even without the squad India would ideally want at the World Cup, the team could still beat other sides in different conditions.

Gill said conditions in New Zealand at this time of year would be closer to those in South Africa than the hotter weather of December or January.

He said the bouncy pitches would test both batting and bowling units while giving India's young attack a chance to show its potential.

Gill said India plans to field tall, fast bowlers, such as Gurnoor or Prasidh, to make run-scoring harder and take wickets in the middle overs when the surface flattens.

Middle order and Hardik Pandya

Gill said India will use a floating approach at No. 5 and No. 6, with its top four all right-handed, so a left-hander can be brought in when needed.

He said Axar and KL could also move up the order depending on the match situation.

Gill said all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been sidelined by fitness issues, brings qualities few players in the world possess, and he expressed hope for Pandya's return.

He said Pandya has not played since the Indian Premier League and had further niggles before an India A match against Australia A, and he will play some domestic cricket before returning to the side.

India play the first of the five ODIs against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday.

The series gives India a chance to test young players in overseas conditions ahead of the 2027 World Cup, which is set to be played in South Africa.