“I Don’t Think It’s a Wise Idea to Pull Out of the ODI Series” – Dodda Ganesh Questions India’s Plans Ahead of New Zealand Tests

Former India and Karnataka fast bowler Dodda Ganesh has questioned the decision to withdraw Shubman Gill and KL Rahul from the final two matches of India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Ganesh believes that playing competitive 50-over cricket would provide the batters with better preparation than spending additional time in practice sessions ahead of the upcoming Test series.

Gill and Rahul are among the players selected for India’s two-match Test series against the Blackcaps, which begins on November 19. The team management has opted to release several Test squad members from the ODI setup so they can begin preparing for the longer format.

However, Ganesh feels that match practice remains important, particularly after the limited batting opportunities available to India’s senior players during the first three ODIs. His comments have sparked discussion about the best way to prepare batters for the transition from white-ball to red-ball cricket.

Dodda Ganesh Questions Shubman Gill and KL Rahul’s ODI Withdrawal

India’s selection committee named a split squad for the ongoing ODI series and the upcoming Test assignments. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Anshul Kamboj feature in both squads, but they are expected to leave the ODI group ahead of the final two matches.

The remaining ODI squad has undergone changes, with new faces such as Kumar Kushagra and Yash Thakur included for the matches at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15. Shreyas Iyer will captain India in Gill’s absence, marking the first time the middle-order batter has led the national team in this format.

Ganesh, however, believes Gill and Rahul would benefit more from remaining with the ODI squad and getting additional time in the middle rather than attending a separate preparation camp.

“Should Gill and KL Rahul rest for the last 2 ODIs? Considering the amount of game time they’ve had in the first 3 ODIs I don’t think it’s a wise idea to pull out of the ODI series. I understand the test match simulation and all that, but a proper game of cricket will prepare you much better than facing thousands of red balls in the net,” Dodda Ganesh posted on X.

His argument centres on the value of competitive cricket. While net sessions and match simulations can help players work on specific technical aspects, Ganesh believes facing real opposition in an actual match provides a different level of preparation.

Rain Disruptions Reduce Shubman Gill’s Match Practice

The decision has attracted further attention because India’s senior batters have already experienced limited opportunities during the ODI series. Gill scored 37 runs in the opening match before registering a first-ball duck in Wellington.

The third ODI at Seddon Park was subsequently abandoned without a ball being bowled because of persistent rain and a wet outfield. The washout removed Gill’s final opportunity to bat in the ODI series before switching his attention to Test cricket.

The toss was delayed by more than two hours as officials waited for conditions to improve. India captain Gill eventually elected to bowl in a match reduced to 40 overs per side, but further rain prevented the contest from starting.

With the final two matches scheduled for Mount Maunganui, Gill and Rahul are expected to leave the ODI squad rather than continue with the white-ball group.

Shubman Gill and Other Test Players to Join Preparation Camp

Gill and Rahul are scheduled to travel to Wellington on Wednesday alongside Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Anshul Kamboj. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel will also join the group for preparations ahead of the Test series.

India’s preparation plans will focus on a camp built around match scenarios and specific training requirements rather than a four-day warm-up match. Reports before the tour had mentioned the possibility of a warm-up fixture in Wellington, but the confirmed arrangement is the preparation camp.

Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir and spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule will remain with the ODI squad for the remaining matches. Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi will also stay with the group as net bowlers and reserves.

The arrangement allows the Test-bound players to begin their red-ball preparations while the remaining squad continues the ODI series under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership.

India Remain 2-0 Ahead in New Zealand ODI Series

Despite the rain interruptions, India have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. They won the opening match in Auckland by five wickets before recording a narrow four-run victory over New Zealand in Wellington under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

The third match was abandoned without a delivery being bowled, leaving the series score unchanged. The remaining fixtures will take place at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.

India will now look to complete the series while giving opportunities to players included in the revamped ODI squad. For the Test-bound group, attention will shift towards preparing for a challenging assignment against New Zealand.

India Face Important Test Challenge Against New Zealand

The first Test between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 19. The series carries significant importance in the World Test Championship (WTC), with valuable points available to both teams.

India’s recent record in New Zealand adds another layer of difficulty to the assignment. The supplied report notes that India have lost three of their last four Tests in the country, with a win percentage of just 20 per cent there.

Given those numbers, the team management will want its Test players to use the available preparation time effectively. The camp is expected to focus on different match scenarios as the players adjust to the demands of red-ball cricket.

Match Practice Debate Continues Ahead of India vs New Zealand Tests

Dodda Ganesh’s comments highlight an important question surrounding India’s preparation strategy: whether players benefit more from competitive match time or specialised training sessions before a Test series.

Gill’s limited opportunities in the ODI matches, particularly after the third game was washed out, have strengthened Ganesh’s argument. However, the team’s decision to release the Test-bound players reflects its preference for a dedicated preparation period ahead of the November 19 opener.

The effectiveness of that approach will become clearer during the Test series. For now, India must balance the remaining ODI commitments with preparations for a challenging red-ball assignment in New Zealand.