Kotak Sees Valuable Test Lessons in NZ ODI Weather and Pitch Challenges

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has highlighted how the demanding conditions of the New Zealand ODI series are serving as a crucial rehearsal for the two‑test series that follows. He noted that the red‑ball swing, seam and occasional “odd bounce” observed on the New Zealand wickets are giving Indian players an early education in the type of movement they will encounter in the longer format.

Speaking before the third ODI in Hamilton, Kotak told reporters that the first two matches, together with India A’s current red‑ball games and a focused training camp, have helped the team’s test‑bound batsmen fine‑tune their techniques for the extended format.

Kotak stressed that the white‑ball series will not change test plans, yet the conditions—early swing, seam movement after five or six overs, and unpredictable bounce—are very similar to what will be faced with the red ball. "The grass‑covered pitches and the overall environment are a good indicator of what to expect in the Tests," he said.

He also pointed out that the three four‑day India A matches have provided competitive exposure for many potential test players, while the ODI squad will join a camp at Mount Maunganui on November 11 for additional sessions with the red‑ball group.

Addressing young batsmen, Kotak discussed the challenge of preserving their natural attacking instinct while adapting to tough match scenarios. He cited the lower‑order collapse in the second ODI—when rain threatened the game—as an example of the decisions emerging players like Naman must make, balancing aggression with situational awareness.

The coach concluded that experience in these conditions is essential for young talents still finding their footing at the international level, and that learning when to accelerate and when to consolidate will be key as India prepares for the test series starting November 19.