HAMILTON: India’s coaching staff is expected to split into two groups following the third ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton on Tuesday, with preparations for the upcoming Test series set to begin while the remaining one-day internationals are still underway.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule are likely to remain with the ODI squad for the final two matches of the series, while batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel are expected to travel to Wellington to join the Test contingent for a preparatory camp.
India’s first Test against New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 19, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to work with the Test specialists ahead of the two-match series.
Kotak revealed the proposed arrangement during a press conference in Hamilton on Monday, while making it clear that the final decision would rest with Gambhir.
“That’s the plan, but like I said, Gautam will make the final decision. It can change, but this is how it will likely be,” Kotak said.
He added that the coaching group would focus on ensuring players receive adequate preparation in terms of workload management, fitness and practice sessions, depending on the conditions in New Zealand.
Three ODI pacers likely to join India’s Test preparations
India are also expected to retain three fast bowlers from the ODI squad in New Zealand to assist the Test team as net bowlers and provide additional reserve options.
Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi and Arshdeep Singh are the three players likely to remain with the squad for this purpose.
Kotak confirmed that three pacers were expected to stay back, although the final arrangements were yet to be confirmed.
The move would allow India’s Test specialists to face quality pace bowling during their preparations, particularly given the challenges presented by New Zealand’s conditions.
Meanwhile, several players selected in India’s Test squad, including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Anshul Kamboj, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav, will not feature in the remaining two ODIs and are expected to join the preparations in Wellington.
Kotak outlines batting preparation strategy
Speaking about his responsibilities in the Test camp, Kotak said the focus would be on preparing India’s batters for different match situations rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
He explained that batting preparations would depend on several factors, including the outcome of the toss, pitch behaviour, weather conditions and the opposition’s bowling strategies.
Kotak stressed that batting first, chasing a target and negotiating the third and fourth innings would require different approaches.
The batting coach also highlighted the importance of developing individual plans for players based on their strengths and preferred scoring methods.
He indicated that the preparation for batters such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant would differ according to their respective styles and the challenges posed by New Zealand’s conditions.
According to Kotak, the coaching staff would identify which scoring options could be effective on the available surfaces and which shots players might need to avoid.
He also emphasised the importance of involving players in the planning process, allowing them to share their ideas and perspectives before finalising individual strategies.
Kotak believes the toss could play a significant role in determining the direction of the two-Test series, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding pitch conditions.
With India still completing their ODI assignments, the coaching staff’s planned split is aimed at ensuring the Test specialists receive sufficient preparation time before the red-ball challenge begins in New Zealand.
