Morkel: India have 'bulletproof' plan to manage bowlers' workload on New Zealand tour
Morne Morkel said on Monday, October 26, 2026 in Wellington that India have a "bulletproof" plan to manage their bowlers' workloads during a tour comprising five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches. He added the management intends to retain a group of bowlers in New Zealand as cover ahead of the two-match Test series.
Morkel made the remarks on the eve of the third T20I in Wellington. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, described by the coach as a white-ball specialist, is being considered for part of the workload plan despite not having played Test cricket for India. The coaching staff view Arshdeep's ability to move the ball both ways as a factor in keeping him in contention for a red-ball debut, Morkel said.
The management has drawn up the strategy to help bowlers navigate the packed schedule and plans to keep a dedicated group in New Zealand as backup because of the timetable, Morkel said. "We are planning a group of bowlers that we would like to potentially stay behind as cover because of the schedule. Closer to the time, once we get a better understanding of the conditions at this time of the year, we'll get a clear picture regarding the make-up of our bowling unit," Morkel said on the eve of the third T20I in Wellington.
On Arshdeep's prospects, Morkel said: "On paper and in the back of our minds, there is a nice group of bowlers that can suit all conditions, and Arshdeep is definitely in that conversation. "He's a guy that always works hard and ticks all the boxes, so if needed with the red ball, I'm pretty sure he'll be fine," the former South African fast bowler added.
The tour schedule sees the ongoing five-match T20 engagement followed by a five-match ODI series, with the Test series due to start on November 19. That Test opener is scheduled to take place just four days after the conclusion of the ODI rubber.
Morkel said the workload-management approach was planned months before the tour and involves clear expectations for each bowler and preparation through India A. "...every bowler is clear on what is expected of them in terms of workload and bowling. As you are aware, a couple of guys are playing in the A-side to get ready for red-ball cricket," Morkel said.
He said bowlers would be rotated in the 50-over matches to build match practice and manage workloads ahead of the Tests, and reiterated the squad's readiness. "We've got a bulletproof plan at the moment in terms of how we mapped everything out, but unfortunately, not everything always goes according to plan. "The back-up and combinations we have are all in place and ready in terms of rotation, making sure everyone, including Jasprit Bumrah all the way down, is ready for the first red-ball Test and the 50-over games," Morkel said.
India's Test series in New Zealand is due to begin on November 19, which is the confirmed next stage of the tour schedule.
