India Coaching Staff to Split Into Two Groups After Third ODI Against New Zealand

The Indian cricket team coaching staff will split into two groups after the third ODI match against New Zealand. India currently leads the five-match series 2-0. The third match takes place on Tuesday at Hamilton, and a win will secure the series victory for India. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak shared these details during a press conference. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will stay with the ODI squad, while some coaching staff members will travel to Wellington to join the Test squad. Kotak stated that plans can always change, but Gambhir and spin coach Sairaj Bahutule will continue with the ODI team with the World Cup scheduled for next year. Kotak, Morne Morkel, and other coaching staff members will head to Wellington. Kotak noted that Gambhir's decision remains final, though that could also change. The staff traveling to Wellington will work on Test squad practice and player fitness. Players Gurnoor Brar, Aqib Nabi, and Arshdeep Singh will stay in New Zealand even after the ODI series ends. Their services will be used to help Test squad batters, serving as net bowlers and reserve players. Kotak explained that moving from the ODI format to Tests might not be very difficult for batters because the pitches currently used for limited-overs cricket feature swing and bounce. The same conditions will appear during the Test matches. Preparation will become stricter, and Test practice starts on Wednesday with five to six sessions. Kotak also praised KL Rahul for opening in Tests and batting in the middle order in limited-overs cricket, calling it a big advantage. He noted that Rahul always steps up when the team needs him, plays under pressure calmly, and has delivered several great innings without failing since Kotak joined the team.

Context

Cricket teams often split their coaching staff and reserve players during long overseas tours to handle overlapping formats like ODIs and Test matches simultaneously. Net bowlers and backup players stay behind to help prepare batters for different pitch conditions and red-ball demands. Management decisions on coaching setups often adapt based on upcoming major tournaments like the World Cup.