India to split coaching staff after third ODI against New Zealand ahead of Test series

Following the third ODI between India and New Zealand in Hamilton on November 12, the touring party's coaching contingent will divide into two separate groups to manage the competing demands of the remaining one-day matches and the upcoming Test series. The split reflects India's strategic focus on both formats during the tour, particularly with the 2027 one-day World Cup on the horizon.

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, and Sairaj Bahutule, the spin-bowling coach, will travel to Mount Maunganui to oversee the final two ODIs of the series. Meanwhile, Sitanshu Kotak, the batting coach, and Morne Morkel, the fast-bowling coach, will proceed to Wellington to conduct preparatory sessions with the Test squad ahead of the first Test scheduled to begin on November 19.

Kotak outlined the reasoning for this arrangement in an interview with Cricinfo, explaining how the coaching staff division balances India's dual commitments during the New Zealand tour. The Test contingent will benefit from a dedicated camp beginning November 11, providing five to six practice sessions before the opening Test. Responding to questions about the arrangement, Kotak acknowledged that final details remain subject to Gautam Gambhir's approval and could still be adjusted.

"[The plan] can still change, but as far as I know, obviously Gautam will have to be here – the one-day World Cup is coming [in 2027], so he will be staying here, and probably Sairaj will stay here," Kotak said.

Why is the coaching staff splitting?

Kotak further elaborated on the logistics of the split and the preparation strategy for the Test squad. He emphasised that the coaching team would prioritise fitness, loading management and practical preparation within the constraints of the available conditions in New Zealand.

"Me, Morne and some other staff will go to Wellington. 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. We'll just try and see that their loading, their fitness, their practice - we do as much preparation as the conditions permit," Kotak said.

Which fast bowlers will stay back in New Zealand?

Three fast bowlers from India's ODI squad will remain in New Zealand to support the Test contingent as net bowlers and reserve players. Kotak identified the trio who would stay back to assist with the Test preparation camp, noting their value in providing match-like bowling conditions for the batsmen and helping the Test pace attack fine-tune their approach.

"I think three bowlers. Gurnoor, maybe Nabi, and I think Arsh is also staying back," Kotak said.

How will the pitch conditions aid Test preparation?

The pitches encountered during the ODI series have offered valuable insights into New Zealand's playing conditions, presenting challenges that will directly inform Test preparation. Kotak noted that while white-ball cricket requires a distinct approach, the surface characteristics observed across both completed ODIs provide useful data for the Test squad. He highlighted the presence of swing, seam movement and variable bounce as factors that will shape India's strategy for the Test series.

"Nobody will bring Test-match adjustments into white-ball cricket. But at the same time, the pitches across both ODIs offered swing, and even after the swing subsided in four to six overs, there was seam movement, along with some awkward bounce," Kotak said.

Kotak expressed confidence in India's overall preparation despite the logistical challenges of managing two separate squads across different venues. He underscored the value of the dedicated camp in Wellington and the insights gained from the ODI series in building readiness for the Test format.

"Overall, the preparation has been very solid. On top of that, the Test players will have a camp starting on the 11th, giving us five to six sessions. Fingers crossed, we should be well-prepared for the Test series as well," Kotak said.