Sitanshu Kotak for India - (Source: AFP)
The Indian team has a busy week ahead. They have 3 ODIs lined up, followed by a two-match Test series starting on November 19, just 4 days after the 5th ODI. To manage such a busy schedule, the Men in Blue named 2 squads for the ongoing ODI series, where Test-bound players will start red-ball preparations after the 3rd ODI.
Notably, the likes of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul won’t be available for selection for the 4th and 5th ODI to prepare for Tests. Meanwhile, in the latest events, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, spoke to the press, where he revealed India’s approach for the Test series against New Zealand.
Sitanshu Kotak Reveals Test Preparations To Start On November 11
Sitanshu Kotak revealed that India Test players will start their camp from 11th. He also dropped an important update and stated that Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, and Auqib Nabi will stay back with the squad after the ODI series to help players in Test preparations.
Further, Gautam Gambhir will stay back with the ODI team, and Kotak, Morne Morkel will go to Wellington.
“India Test players will start their camp from 11th so hopefully those 5-6 sessions will help get prepared for Test series. Gurnoor, Arshdeep and Nabi will stay back for Test preparations; Gambhir stays back with ODI team, me and Morne will go to Wellington. Thats the plan for now,” Kotak remarked.
New Zealand Test Series, Last Hope For India’s WTC Final Qualification
India are placed 4th on the WTC standings, while New Zealand are 3rd. The Shubman Gill-led side have 51.52 PCT and they cannot afford to lose more games. Notably, India have Tests scheduled against the Kiwis and Australia and if they manage to win both series, then they have the chance to enter top 2.
Therefore, the upcoming Test series is key for India, which is why they are doing everything possible to be prepared for New Zealand challenge, because a Test would end their hopes for WTC final.
