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Xtra Time Web Desk: Shubman Gill is doubtful for the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru due to neck and shoulder pain. He reported the issue to the team management on 14th October, and a decision regarding his availability will be made on 16th October morning.

Gill has been a key player for Team India, gradually establishing himself at the No. 3 spot. He recently scored a match-winning 119 not out in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai and followed it up with a quick 39 in the first innings of the Kanpur Test, which India won in less than two days.

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India lacks a direct replacement for the No. 3 position but could consider moving KL Rahul up the order. Alternatives like Sarfaraz Khan and Dhurv Jurel are also available for the middle order. Additionally, the team could opt for an extra all-rounder, such as Axar Patel.

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Captain Rohit Sharma noted that heavy rain had affected Bengaluru on the eve of the Test. The decision on the playing XI will depend on the conditions assessed on Wednesday morning, with the pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium currently covered. In the previous series against Bangladesh, India fielded three fast bowlers and two spinners, as the pitches provided some assistance to the fast bowlers.

INDIA SQUAD FOR NEW ZEALAND TESTS

Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep

Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna