India pacers Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi will remain with the team for preparations ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed on Saturday.The three pacers will stay back after the ODI series as the team begins its preparations for the red-ball challenge.Speaking at the press conference ahead of the third ODI, Kotak said the conditions in the ongoing ODI series had provided useful preparation for the Test matches, particularly for the bowling unit.“Both pitches had seam and swing. Good preparations for the Test because the ball will change, but one-day cricket does give you an idea about the conditions. The thickness of the grass and everything. It’s been challenging but good for the team and preparations,” Kotak said.He also pointed to the three India A matches as an important part of the build-up, saying they had ensured adequate preparation for both batters and bowlers.India’s Test players are scheduled to begin a preparatory camp on November 11. Kotak expects the sessions to help the squad get ready for the series.“India Test players will start their camp from the 11th, so hopefully those five-six sessions will help get prepared for the Test series,” he said.Providing details of the team’s immediate plans, Kotak confirmed that head coach Gautam Gambhir would remain with the ODI squad, while he and bowling coach Morne Morkel would travel to Wellington.“Gurnoor, Arshdeep and Nabi will stay back for Test preparations. Gambhir stays back with the ODI team, me and Morne will go to Wellington. That’s the plan for now,” he said.
‘KL Rahul has played unbelievable innings’
Kotak also spoke about KL Rahul’s importance to the Indian batting line-up, praising his adaptability and ability to deliver according to the team’s requirements.Rahul remained unbeaten on 26 during India’s rain-affected chase of 135 in the second ODI. With wickets falling at regular intervals, the wicketkeeper-batter held one end together as India reached 113/7 in 26 overs before rain brought the contest to an end.“Biggest advantage is he opens in Test cricket. He is someone who plays according to the need of the team. Since I have joined, he has played unbelievable innings. Never looks under pressure and has never let the team down. Can rotate and can easily hit sixes,” Kotak said.On India’s approach to playing additional all-rounders, the batting coach said team selection was based on players performing their designated roles rather than making compromises to accommodate an extra batter.“We are playing players at the spot. Difficult to reduce a bowler and add a batter,” he explained.
India take 2-0 series lead
Meanwhile, India moved 2-0 ahead in the five-match ODI series after edging New Zealand by four runs under the DLS method in Wellington.Defending a modest target of 135 in a contest reduced to 47 overs per side, New Zealand had India in trouble at 113/7 after 26 overs when rain forced the players off the field. India were four runs ahead of the DLS par score, handing them victory.Gurnoor Brar was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4/30 in 10 overs, while Auqib Nabi picked up two wickets. Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel also finished with two wickets apiece.Earlier, Daryl Mitchell top-scored for New Zealand with 55, rescuing the hosts from 53/5 through a 59-run partnership with Mitchell Santner, who contributed 31.India will now head to Hamilton for the third ODI on Tuesday, looking to extend their advantage in the series.
