KL Rahul to Join Test Preparations as Three Bowlers Stay Back in New Zealand

India have stepped up their preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship series against New Zealand, with fast bowlers Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh asked to remain in the country to assist the Test squad, assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday.

The two-match Test series, beginning on November 19, will see India's specialists start a preparation camp on November 11, featuring five or six practice sessions. Captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Anshul Kamboj are scheduled to travel to Wellington after the third ODI against New Zealand.

The coaching staff will also be divided between the two squads. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to remain with the ODI team for the fourth and fifth matches on November 13 and 15 at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga. Bowling coach Morne Morkel and other support staff members are likely to travel to Wellington. However, Kotak said the final arrangements would depend on Gambhir's decision.

Kotak believes the challenging pitches at Eden Park in Auckland and Henry Stadium in Wellington will provide valuable preparation for the Test series. He noted that similar conditions could be encountered in the longer format, although the ball and playing approach would be different.

The Basin Reserve is expected to have around 12–14 mm of grass, reflecting the conditions commonly found in New Zealand. Kotak said the surfaces offer a good indication of what Indian players might face during the Tests.

He also highlighted the benefits of the three unofficial Test matches between India A and New Zealand A. Several Test regulars, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, have featured in the series.

According to Kotak, these matches have helped batters and bowlers understand local conditions. The bowlers, in particular, have gained insights into the appropriate lengths, how much to hit the deck and the assistance available from the pitches.

India are aiming to ensure that players receive sufficient workload, fitness and match preparation before the challenging Test assignment.