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Gambhir hints at rest for Gill, Bumrah ahead of New Zealand tour

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has suggested that select players will be given a break from white-ball cricket to prepare for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

LSN India · 23 September 2026

Gambhir hints at rest for Gill, Bumrah ahead of New Zealand tour

India's newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has signaled that the team management plans to rest key players from limited-overs cricket ahead of the challenging Test series in New Zealand.

Gambhir indicated that the decision to rotate certain squad members is part of a strategic approach to ensure players are adequately prepared for the rigors of Test cricket on foreign soil. The New Zealand tour has traditionally posed significant challenges for Indian teams, making adequate preparation crucial.

While specific names have not been officially confirmed, reports suggest that players including Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah could potentially be among those receiving rest from white-ball commitments. The move reflects the team's intention to balance workload management with the demands of international cricket across multiple formats.

The India-New Zealand Test series assumes added importance as both nations continue their campaigns in the ICC World Test Championship. Gambhir's comments suggest that the coaching staff is prioritizing long-format cricket preparation during this phase of the international calendar.