India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand could lead to workload management challenges, with the team potentially resting several key players during the final two ODIs before the Test series, according to a report.
India are scheduled to play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests during a tour that will run for nearly two months. The tight schedule has raised concerns because the final ODI is scheduled for November 15, while the opening Test is set to begin in Wellington on November 19, leaving only four days between the two formats.
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According to a report by Dainik Jagran, players including Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj could be rested for the final two ODIs in Mount Maunganui.
The players are expected to feature in both the ODI and Test squads, meaning the team management could have to carefully manage their workload ahead of the red-ball series.
The report also suggested that India’s coaching staff could be divided into two groups during the transition between the two formats. Two members of the coaching quartet comprising head coach Gautam Gambhir, bowling coach Morne Morkel, assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak and fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh could remain with the ODI squad in Mount Maunganui.
The other two coaches could travel to Wellington with the Test-bound players to oversee their preparations for the opening Test.
Such an arrangement would allow India to prepare simultaneously for the final ODIs and the Test series, which begins only four days after the conclusion of the 50-over leg.
The report further claimed that the Indian team was not consulted during the scheduling process, with the packed calendar prompting concerns over player workload and the amount of preparation time available before the Test matches.
India’s white-ball campaign in New Zealand is scheduled to begin with the first T20I on October 22. The five-match T20I series will be followed by five ODIs, with the final ODI scheduled for November 15.
The two-Test series will then begin in Wellington from November 19 to 23. The second Test is scheduled to be played in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.
The Test matches will also be important in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. New Zealand currently occupy third place in the standings, while India are fifth.
With several players expected to be involved across formats, workload management could become an important consideration for India during the tour. The possibility of resting players for the final ODIs would give the Test group additional time to prepare for the longer format while allowing the ODI squad to complete the white-ball assignment.
The scheduling has therefore brought renewed attention to the demands placed on players during multi-format tours, particularly when international fixtures are packed closely together.
