Post‑Third ODI Coaching Adjustments Expected for India’s Tour of NZ

New Delhi – The third one‑day international between India and New Zealand, set for Tuesday, could be a turning point for the coaching staff’s deployment. Head coach Gautam will stay at Mount Maunganui alongside spin coach Sairaj Bhootule for the last two limited‑overs matches, whereas batting coach Chetan Sh Kotak and fast‑bowling coach Morne Morrell are likely to join the test squad at a Wellington pre‑series camp.

At a Hamilton press briefing, Kotak said Gautam must remain on site, and Sairaj may also be required there. He added that he, Morrell and several other staff members will travel to Wellington, but the blueprint may still shift depending on the players’ fitness levels and practice sessions. The ultimate verdict, Kotak noted, lies with Gautam.

Three of India’s quicks – identified as Gurnoor Barar, Aqib Nabi and Arshdeep Singh – are expected to stay in New Zealand as net bowlers and reserve options for the test side, rather than being part of the ODI squad.

If the schedule proceeds as outlined, Kotak and Morrell will depart on 11 February with captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, fast bowlers Anshul Kamboj and Mohammad Siraj, and all‑rounder Kuldeep Yadav for Wellington. These four will miss the fourth and fifth ODIs.

After the fifth ODI, on 16 February, Gautam, Bhootule, Barar, Nabi and Arshdeep will travel from Mount Maunganui to re‑join the test camp.

Regarding his test‑camp duties, Kotak explained that he will develop simulations for various batting phases – from losing the toss to batting first or second, handling turning tracks, and reacting to different weather and wicket conditions. He will tailor preparations based on the toss outcome, pitch behavior, bowler approaches and spell lengths.