Virat Kohli brought match-like intensity to India's training session in Mount Maunganui, turning the nets into a fiercely competitive contest with Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav. From animated exchanges and playful banter to sharing bowling insights, the former India captain's refusal to switch off his competitive instinct stood out.

India are considering releasing Gurnoor Brar from the ODI squad after Friday's match to bolster their preparations for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to replace Shubman Gill as an opener for the fourth ODI, with Ishan Kishan expected to continue in the middle order.

Persistent rain and repeated delays disrupted the third ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton, with both India and New Zealand players waiting for the weather to clear. Despite a brief improvement and revised timings, another spell of rain forced abandonment. Fans endured hours of waiting, catching only fleeting glimpses of their favourite cricketers.

KL Rahul's adaptability has made him India's dependable middle-order pillar in ODIs. From rebuilding innings to accelerating against different bowling attacks, the wicketkeeper-batter has mastered the art of switching roles. As India prepare for the challenges in South Africa, Rahul's ability to thrive across conditions and batting positions offers the team a crucial sense of stability.

Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Monday revealed that the management is also considering keeping Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi back for the Test camp, and head coach Gautam Gambhir will soon make the final call. Kotak and bowling coach Morne Morkel will go with the Test team, whereas Gambhir will stay back with the ODI team.

India's low-scoring ODI thriller against New Zealand highlighted the challenges of batting on a seaming, bouncy pitch. Despite a modest 135-run target, India's top order struggled against Kyle Jamieson's aggressive bowling. The decision to promote Axar Patel ahead of KL Rahul also raised questions, while Rahul's composure stood out amid a collapse. The contrasting performances exposed India's batting vulnerabilities.

The conditions were helpful for the pacers, but the ball still needed to be put in the right areas, and Brar did the job with aplomb. He wasn't carried away by the extra bounce, movement in the air or nip off the surface. Instead, he adjusted well to the "trampoline"-like uneven bounce and carry from the playing surface and ran through the opposition with some serious heat.

India's cricket team is experiencing a transition under coach Gautam Gambhir while maintaining stability in the ODI format. Senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play crucial roles in this transition. Former New Zealand bowler Kyle Mills commends Gambhir's tactical approach and acknowledges the scrutiny faced by the Indian team. New Zealand's cricket has improved significantly with upgraded infrastructure and a rich talent pool.

India cancelled training as rain disrupted New Zealand's preparations in Wellington ahead of the second ODI, with Mohammed Siraj's possible inclusion adding to the selection intrigue. Heavy rain is forecast for match day, raising concerns over another washout. India lead the five-match series 1-0

Kamboj has had forgettable outings in international cricket but he ensured Auckland didn't follow the pattern. With relentless lengths, sharp use of the wobble seam and speeds, the highly-rated Haryana bowler showed why the management didn't give up on him.

New Zealand has witnessed two defining milestones in Shubman Gill's early career. After an India U-19 World Cup title and ODI debut, he hits these shores as leader of men. Seven years after being handed the cap by MS Dhoni, he returns as India's captain, carrying the expectations of a billion fans and the responsibility of building a team for the 2027 World Cup.

India's fielding will face an early test at Auckland's Eden Park, where unfamiliar dimensions and tricky angles demand quick adaptation. With 27 catches dropped in their last 18 ODIs, the focus is on sharpening ground fielding and improving catching efficiency ahead of the New Zealand series.