The two-Test series is slated to get underway on November 19 in Wellington.
India's coaching staff will split into two groups after the third ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton to balance the final two ODIs with early preparations for the upcoming Test series.
While head coach Gautam Gambhir and spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule remain with the ODI squad with an eye on the 2027 World Cup, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel will travel to Wellington to supervise a Test series preparatory camp.
Indian Test squad members who are not playing the final two ODIs, including captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, will leave for Wellington early.
Addressing the media on Monday (November 9), Kotak confirmed that three pacers from the ODI unit—Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, and Auqib Nabi—are staying back in New Zealand to assist the Test squad as net bowlers and reserves.
"I think three bowlers. Gurnoor, maybe Nabi, and I think Arsh is also staying back," Kotak told reporters on the eve of the third ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton.
Responding to a question about Gill and Rahul transitioning from ODI cricket to Tests, Kotak stressed that while players maintain distinct tactical mindsets for different formats, playing on tough wickets during the ODI series can serve as an excellent training ground for Test matches.
"Nobody will bring Test-match adjustments into white-ball cricket. But at the same time, the pitches across both ODIs offered swing, and even after the swing subsided in four to six overs, there was seam movement, along with some awkward bounce," Kotak said.
He expressed confidence in India's red-ball preparation ahead of their Test series in New Zealand, emphasizing that three India A matches were played to help batters and bowlers adapt to local conditions, seam movement, grass-heavy pitches, and ball behavior.
The batting coach further revealed that the red-ball camp in Wellington will begin on November 11, featuring five to six practice sessions ahead of the opening Test.
"Overall, the preparation has been very solid. On top of that, the Test players will have a camp starting on the 11th, giving us five to six sessions. Fingers crossed, we should be well-prepared for the Test series as well," Kotak remarked.
The first of the two Tests between India and New Zealand will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19 to 23, while Christchurch’s Hagley Oval will host the second Test from November 27 to December 1.