Our Bureau
Hamilton
India have decided to retain three fast bowlers, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi, in New Zealand to strengthen preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) series, beginning November 19. The decision comes as the Indian team adapts its strategy to tackle New Zealand’s challenging pace-friendly conditions.
Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed the development ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton. The three pacers, currently part of India’s five-match ODI squad, will remain with the team to assist the Test squad in its preparations.
India’s Test specialists, including captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Anshul Kamboj, are scheduled to travel to Wellington after 3rd ODI. A preparatory camp will begin on November 11, providing the players with five to six practice sessions before the opening Test.
The coaching staff will also be divided, with head coach Gautam Gambhir expected to remain with the ODI squad for the final two matches on November 13 and 15. Batting coach Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel and other support staff are likely to join the Test contingent.
Kotak highlighted that the ongoing ODI series has offered valuable exposure to conditions similar to those expected in the Test matches. Pitches at Auckland and Wellington have provided considerable seam movement, swing and uneven bounce, testing both batting and bowling units.
He also noted that pitches with approximately 12–14 mm of grass could be expected at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, making familiarity with such conditions particularly important.
Additionally, three unofficial Test matches between India A and New Zealand A have helped several red-ball players understand the local pitches, bowling lengths and playing conditions.
With the first Test approaching, India’s revised preparation strategy aims to ensure adequate workload, fitness and match readiness for the challenging series.