India bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed on Monday that the team had developed a “bulletproof plan” for the tour. The strategy includes the possibility of retaining some bowlers in New Zealand as backup options ahead of the Test series, with the final bowling combination to be determined according to requirements and playing conditions.
Left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is among the potential options being considered. Although he has yet to make his Test debut for India, his ability to swing the ball in both directions could make him a useful addition to the red-ball setup, particularly in New Zealand conditions.
Morkel said the management wanted to maintain a pool of bowlers capable of strengthening the main attack during the Test series if required. The composition of this group is expected to become clearer after the team assesses the weather and pitch conditions in New Zealand.
According to Morkel, he has a strong group of bowlers in mind who could prove useful in different conditions, and Arshdeep is part of those discussions. Praising the left-arm pacer's work ethic and abilities, Morkel indicated that Arshdeep could also perform well with the red ball if the team needed him.
Arshdeep has not played Test cricket for India so far. However, his ability to generate swing in both directions makes him a potential candidate for the longest format. With swing bowling potentially playing an important role in New Zealand, the Indian management is keeping him under consideration as a possible Test option. No final decision has been made regarding his Test debut.
The workload management strategy will also extend to the ODI series. India plan to rotate their bowlers during the 50-over matches to ensure they receive adequate match practice before the Test series while gradually managing the demands on their bodies.
Morkel said players would be given playing time in the ODI format according to the team's requirements. This approach is intended to help the bowlers improve their preparation ahead of the Tests. The management has already planned how to distribute the workload and bowling volume across the group.
However, Morkel acknowledged that cricket does not always unfold according to plan. Injuries, playing conditions and other factors could force changes to the strategy. The team has therefore prepared backup options and alternative combinations to ensure that the absence of any player does not disrupt its preparations.
The workload of all bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, will be monitored as part of the plan. The objective is to ensure that the players are ready to fulfil their roles during the ODI matches and the Test series. Morkel, however, did not announce any decision to rest Bumrah or leave him out of a particular match. His comments focused on the preparation of the entire bowling unit, rotation and the availability of backup options.
Morkel also revealed that some players were preparing for red-ball cricket by representing India A. These matches will help the team assess their match fitness and readiness before the Test series begins.
The short turnaround between the ODI and Test assignments adds to the challenge. The Test series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 19, just four days after the conclusion of the five-match ODI series. This leaves the management with limited time to provide players with sufficient recovery and practice.
Rather than relying on a single bowling combination, India are widening their options through rotation during the ODIs, red-ball preparation through India A matches and the possibility of keeping backup bowlers in New Zealand. The approach is designed to manage workloads while ensuring that the team has sufficient bowling resources available when the Test series begins.
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