They say familiarity breeds contempt, but for Shubman Gill, familiarity with the New Zealand bowling attack only breeds runs, mountains of them. In the 2nd ODI at Rajkot today, the Indian captain continued his prolific love affair with the Black Caps, hammering a fluent 56 off 53 balls.

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It was a knock that perfectly encapsulated the "new captain" era: aggressive, authoritative, and leading from the front. Walking out to the centre with a series win in sight, Gill wasted no time in dismantling the visitors. His innings was a masterclass in placement and timing, setting the perfect platform for the Indian middle order to capitalise on a batting paradise. This was his second back-to-back fifty in the series, following his gritty 56 in the opener, proving that the burden of captaincy rests lightly on his shoulders.

The stats paint a terrifying picture for any Kiwi bowler. In 7 innings against New Zealand on Indian soil, Gill has amassed 578 runs at a Bradman-esque average of 115.6. With a strike rate of 115.36, he isn't just accumulating runs; he is demoralising the opposition. His track record against the Black Caps in India now boasts two centuries (one double century), including that unforgettable 208 off 149 balls in Hyderabad and a classy 112 in Indore. In fact, he has only been dismissed below 50 twice in seven outings against them.

Shubman Gill vs NZ in India (ODIs)

208 (149)
40* (53)
112 (78)
26 (31)
80* (66)
56 (71)
56 (53) – today

– 578 runs at an average of 115.6, SR: 115.36

However, just as a trademark "Gill special" century looked inevitable, the Prince fell on his sword. Attempting to assert further dominance, he pulled a short delivery from Kyle Jamieson but failed to keep it down, offering a simple catch to Daryl Mitchell at mid-wicket. It was a soft dismissal, an anticlimactic end to an innings that threatened to take the game away entirely in the first 15 overs.

While he might rue the missed century, Gill’s job was done. He had blunted the new ball, demoralised the attack, and preyed on his favourite opposition yet again. If this is how the captain leads, India is in safe hands.