India’s coaching staff split: Sitanshu Kotak, Morne Morkel to join Test squad early for New Zealand challenge
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India’s Test squad will receive a specialized coaching push ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and bowling coach Morne Morkel joining the team in Wellington for the two-match Test series starting November 19. Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir and spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule will remain with the ODI squad, which is currently leading New Zealand 2-0 in the ongoing series.
Kotak and Morkel’s early arrival will focus on tactical preparation, simulating match scenarios to assess player responses under different conditions. Three ODI bowlers—Gurnoor Singh, Nabi Abrar, and Arshdeep Singh—are also set to join the Test team to aid batting practice in challenging New Zealand conditions.
The split coaching approach underscores India’s dual priorities: securing the ODI series (with a potential third win sealing a rare 50-over series victory since 2019) and preparing for the high-stakes Test campaign, where India has not won in New Zealand since 2009.
