NEW DELHI, September 20, 2026: India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand is set to test the team’s workload-management plans, with the coaching staff reportedly considering resting several key players for the final two ODIs because of the short gap between the white-ball and Test legs of the tour.
India are scheduled to play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests in New Zealand from October 22 to December 1, 2026. The packed schedule has raised concerns over player workload, particularly because the Test series is due to begin only four days after the conclusion of the ODI series.
Players such as Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj could be involved in both the ODI and Test squads. The team management is therefore considering giving some of them a break during the final two ODIs, according to reports.
Coaching staff may be split
India could also divide its coaching staff into two groups to manage the demanding schedule.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, bowling coach Morne Morkel, assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak and fielding coach Shubdeep Ghosh are expected to be divided between the ODI and Test squads, with two coaches potentially accompanying each group.
The arrangement would allow the Test-bound players and coaching staff to focus on preparations for the longer format while the ODI squad completes its series.
WTC points at stake
The two-Test series will also carry significance in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
New Zealand are currently third in the WTC standings, while India are fifth. The results of the series could therefore have a bearing on both teams' campaigns for a place in the WTC final.
The first Test is scheduled to be played in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.
For India, the series will be an important opportunity to collect WTC points and keep their qualification campaign on track.
