Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed on Monday that white-ball fast bowlers Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, and Arshdeep Singh will remain in Hamilton to support the Indian Test squad's preparations for the World Test Championship series against New Zealand. According to ThePrint, which carried the report via PTI, the three players are currently part of the squad playing a five-ODI series against the Black Caps. The third match of that assignment is scheduled for Tuesday in Hamilton.
Kotak stated that Test specialists will begin their dedicated training camp on November 11. He noted that skipper Shubman Gill, opener KL Rahul, spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and pacer Anshul Kamboj will travel to Wellington after the third ODI. The coaching team will also divide its duties. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will stay in Hamilton for the fourth and fifth ODIs on November 13 and 15 at Mount Maunganui, while Morne Morkel and other staff members will move to Wellington. Kotak explained that Gambhir’s presence is linked to upcoming World Cup preparations, though final decisions remain with the head coach.
ThePrint reported that Kotak agreed with New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi that the seaming tracks at Eden Park and Hnry Stadium provide valuable preparation for Test conditions. Kotak noted that the thicker grass on these wickets offers a realistic indication of the challenges players may face in five-day cricket. He also highlighted the benefit of the unofficial Test matches between India A and New Zealand A, which allowed red-ball regulars like Jasprit Bumrah and Yashasvi Jaiswal to familiarize themselves with the surfaces. These matches helped bowlers understand line, length, and the assistance available from the pitch, according to Kotak.
The preparation plan includes five or six training sessions during the camp period. Kotak expressed confidence that the team would be ready for the Test series, which begins on November 19. The coaching staff aims to ensure players receive the necessary workload and fitness training based on the available conditions in New Zealand.