India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand commenced on November 4, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland, where Shubman Gill and his teammates faced immediate challenges in seamer-friendly conditions.

Gill's early performances in the series have drawn scrutiny from cricket analysts and former players seeking to understand his struggles. In the first game, he scored 37 off 56 balls before getting dismissed for a first-ball duck in the second ODI.

Murali Kartik, a former India cricketer, has offered specific technical guidance to help Gill navigate the difficult conditions. Kartik identified adjustments in footwork and hand position as key areas where Gill must adapt to succeed against the New Zealand bowlers. Speaking on the matter, Kartik provided his assessment of what the 27-year-old needs to do to overcome his current form.

"Sometimes with Shubman Gill, it is conditions-based, but he will have to tweak his technique, whether it is a bit of footwork, or a bit of softening his hands, you can see it with Virat and people who do well. It is never easy, you are up against a brand new ball, against tall bowlers in those conditions, and he will have to do it very quickly," Kartik said on Cricbuzz.

What did Murali Kartik say about Gill's technique?

At Eden Park, Gill managed 37 runs from 56 deliveries in the first ODI, an innings that reflected the difficulty of batting against New Zealand's opening bowlers in conditions that favoured seam movement. His measured approach highlighted the challenge many batters face when confronting a new ball in such an environment. The 27-year-old opener's struggle continued into the second ODI, where he fell for a first-ball duck, compounding the pressure to regain form during the series.

Virat Kohli provided a contrasting example of how to manage the seam-friendly conditions at Eden Park, scoring a fluent 74 in the first ODI despite returning after a short break from international cricket. Kohli's ability to adjust his footwork and soften his hands allowed him to build a substantial innings while others struggled. His performance underscored the specific technical adjustments that Gill must implement to succeed in the remainder of the series.