Why Shubman Gill is Not Leading India in 4th ODI Against New Zealand?

As India takes on New Zealand in the 4th ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Friday, November 13, 2026, fans notice a major change during the toss. Despite India leading the five-match series 2-0, regular captain Shubman Gill is not present for the toss. Instead, Shreyas Iyer steps in to lead the Indian team for the remainder of the ODI leg.

This unexpected change raises questions among cricket fans about the reason behind Gill’s absence from the leadership role. Many are searching for answers to why Shubman Gill is not leading India in this important match and whether the decision is related to injury, workload management, or a change in the team’s leadership plans.

Why Shubman Gill is not leading India against New Zealand?

Shubman Gill is not leading India in the 4th ODI against New Zealand because the BCCI has rested him to manage his workload ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series. With the 50-over leg ending on November 15 and the opening Test beginning on November 19 in Wellington, Gill, alongside KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj, has departed the ODI camp to join red-ball practice sessions.

Under this pre-planned split-squad strategy announced on October 16, regular deputy Shreyas Iyer steps in as India new captain for 4th ODI and 5th ODI, making his ODI captaincy debut. Meanwhile, one of the best wicketkeepers in India, Ishan Kishan, takes over as vice-captain and is set to serve as Shubman Gill replacement at the top of the batting order alongside Rohit Sharma.