Morkel confirms bulletproof plan for bowler workload in New Zealand
India prepares dedicated cover options as packed schedule demands careful workload management for New Zealand tour.
Morne Morkel said India has a bulletproof plan to manage bowler workloads across five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests in New Zealand. The team will retain a dedicated group of bowlers as backup options for the Test series that begins on November 19, four days after the ODI series concludes.
Arshdeep Singh is being considered for red-ball duties despite having no Test experience. Morkel said the left-arm pacer works hard and ticks all the boxes, making him a viable option if conditions suit his skills.
Several players are already featuring for India A to prepare for red-ball cricket, while the ODI series will see rotations to give bowlers match practice ahead of the Tests. Morkel acknowledged that contingencies remain necessary despite the detailed planning.
CricHubb Take
The backup bowler strategy reveals how seriously India takes the compressed schedule. Rather than relying on the same attack across formats, the team is building depth that allows rotation without compromising either white-ball or red-ball objectives.