Shubman Gill to pay out of pocket for 5 personal net bowlers to tour New Zealand

India’s Test captain Shubman Gill is preparing for the upcoming red-ball challenge in New Zealand by taking four to five personal bowlers on the tour, with the skipper himself bearing all the expenses.

While the BCCI also arranges designated net bowlers to help Indian players prepare during overseas tours, this is understood to be the first time an Indian cricketer has paid from his own pocket and taken a group of bowlers to train exclusively with him.

“That is interesting. Gill is not playing India A Tests as he has to play ODIs as well. For that reason he is leaving for New Zealand on October 23 or 24. The four to five bowlers accompanying him will have all their expenses paid by Gill,” a BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Gill, who amassed 754 runs during India’s five-Test series in England he faces a tough task in New Zealand earlier this year, where the conditions are expected to test his technique and temperament.

With schedules overlapping and the Indian skipper prioritizing Test preparation, the decision to field specialist bowlers represents an unusual step in his preparation for the tough red-ball task.

Gill will not feature in India A’s Test matches against New Zealand A, with his ODI commitments also part of a busy schedule. The early departure will give him extra time to acclimatise and work on his red-ball game ahead of the Test challenge.

The 26-year-old missed the opener of the Ranji Trophy in Punjab due to personal reasons but is all set to return for the team’s second match against Chhattisgarh starting on October 18 in Mullanpur.

The Ranji match will give Gill an opportunity to practice the red-ball game before heading to New Zealand, where his form and leadership will be crucial to India’s prospects.

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