Shubman Gill, Mitchell Santner reveal which opposition players they would love to steal

India vs New Zealand ODI Series: Gill Names Matt Henry as His Pick in Captains’ Exchange

India captain Shubman Gill and New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner shared a light-hearted moment ahead of their five-match ODI series, revealing which player they would take from the opposition if given the chance. The exchange offered a glimpse of the respect between the two sides before the opening match at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4.

Santner chose Gill, highlighting the value of the Indian batter’s consistency and leadership. Gill, meanwhile, picked New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry, whose pace and ability to strike with the new ball make him a major threat in one-day cricket. Their answers set the tone for a series expected to combine friendly rivalry with high-stakes competition.

Captains’ Photoshoot Brings a Lighter Moment Before the Series

The captains’ photoshoot included more than the usual pre-series formalities. Gill and Santner were also asked to name the opponent they least enjoy facing. Gill pointed to Santner, while the New Zealand captain selected Indian left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh.

Their responses reflect the different challenges each player presents. Santner’s left-arm spin can disrupt a batter’s rhythm through the middle overs, while Arshdeep’s angle, variations and ability to bowl at the death make him difficult to line up. In a five-match series, these individual matchups could influence momentum as much as broader team strategies.

Asked to describe playing against one another in a single phrase, Gill called it “fierce competition.” Santner described it as enjoyable, while also stressing the quality of the contest. The exchange was a reminder that international cricket can be competitive on the field while remaining warm and respectful away from it.

Gill and Santner: A Key ODI Matchup to Watch

One of the most compelling contests in the series could be Gill’s battle against Santner. The pair have met repeatedly in ODIs, but the numbers cited ahead of the series favour the Indian captain. Across 21 overs against Santner, Gill has scored 125 runs at a strike rate close to 100, with Santner dismissing him only once.

That dismissal came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai, when Glenn Phillips produced a spectacular one-handed catch off Santner’s bowling. The moment showed that even a batter who has generally handled the spinner well can be vulnerable if New Zealand create pressure and make the most of their fielding opportunities.

Gill will be keen to continue scoring freely, particularly if he encounters Santner during the opening powerplay or the middle overs. For New Zealand, the challenge will be to limit his access to scoring areas, vary the pace and make him take risks. The timing of the matchup could matter: an early breakthrough may give the hosts control, while a settled Gill could put India in a strong position to build a substantial total.

India Look to Carry Momentum Into the ODI Leg

India enter the ODI series after winning the T20I series, having taken the first three matches in convincing fashion. That success should provide confidence, but the change to the 50-over format brings different demands. Batters need to manage their innings across a longer spell, while bowlers must balance early aggression with control through the middle and at the end.

India have also named separate squads for the ODI series and the two-match Test series against New Zealand, which is scheduled within a relatively short period. Managing workloads and keeping players fit will therefore be important. The squad split gives the ODI group an opportunity to focus on the immediate task while the team prepares for a demanding stretch of international cricket.

For Gill, the series carries an additional personal milestone. A strong showing would help establish his authority as captain in overseas conditions and give India a chance to end a lengthy wait for an ODI series win in New Zealand. The visitors have not claimed a bilateral ODI series there in the past six years; their most recent success came in 2018–19 under Virat Kohli.

New Zealand Aim to Build on a Historic Result

New Zealand will draw confidence from their most recent ODI series against India, played in India in early 2026. The Black Caps recovered after losing the opening match and won the series 2–1, securing a landmark ODI series victory over India on Indian soil. That comeback underlined the team’s ability to adapt and respond under pressure.

The hosts will now look to use familiar conditions to their advantage. Eden Park’s compact boundaries can reward positive batting, but its dimensions can also make bowling plans demanding. Accurate lengths, smart changes of pace and disciplined field placement will be essential, particularly when India’s power hitters look to attack.

Matt Henry’s selection by Gill in the captains’ exchange is telling. His new-ball movement and experience could test India’s top order, while Santner’s control may be central to New Zealand’s plans once the ball softens. India, in turn, will look to Arshdeep Singh and its other seamers to create early pressure and prevent New Zealand from settling into a high-scoring rhythm.

India vs New Zealand ODI Prediction: What Could Decide the Series?

Any prediction for the five-match contest must account for the contrasting strengths of both teams. India will hope to convert their recent T20I momentum into a strong start, with Gill’s batting and the side’s depth offering reasons for confidence. New Zealand, however, have home conditions, recent success against India and a history of making visiting teams work hard for every run.

The opening match could provide an early indication of how the teams plan to approach the series. If India’s top order handles Henry’s opening spell and builds partnerships, the visitors may be able to dictate the tempo. If New Zealand strike early, Santner and the rest of the attack could apply pressure through the middle overs.

Beyond the captains’ playful choices, the series will be shaped by execution: which side wins the powerplay, protects wickets in the middle, and finishes innings effectively. Gill versus Santner and India’s batters against Henry are among the matchups to watch, but the depth of both squads means supporting players may prove just as decisive. With India seeking a long-awaited away series win and New Zealand aiming to defend their home advantage, the five ODIs promise an engaging contest from the opening ball.