Kotak spoke in Hamilton on Monday as India prepared for the closing stages of the ODI series and the Test series that follows. India lead the ODI series 2-0, with the third ODI scheduled for Tuesday, and the two-Test series begins on 19 November.

Preparation through India A matches

India's preparation for the Tests has included three India A matches in New Zealand. The matches were designed to give the squad match practice in New Zealand conditions before the senior series begins. The India A fixture in Lincoln was hit by rain on its third day, but the programme as a whole has given the management a chance to assess players and build workloads. Senior players including Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja have been part of the India A setup to regain rhythm.

Mount Maunganui camp from 11 November

After the India A matches, the squad will gather for a camp in Mount Maunganui from 11 November. The camp will focus on the final phase of preparation before the first Test, with the team working on plans for New Zealand conditions. The camp gives the coaching staff a settled block of time with the full squad. With the ODI series finishing on Tuesday, the camp will be the bridge between the white-ball matches and the red-ball series.

ODI series lead and selection questions

India lead the ODI series 2-0, and the third match on Tuesday offers a chance to complete a clean sweep. The form of the squad in the ODIs has added to the confidence around the camp ahead of the Tests. Selection discussions around the squad have included Naman Dhir and Anshul Kamboj, with the team management weighing options for the Test series. The pitches in New Zealand have carried 12 to 14 millimetres of grass, which shapes the balance of the side and the bowling plans.

Tests begin on 19 November

The two-Test series begins on 19 November. Kotak's message is that India are ready for the challenge, with the preparation programme giving the players time in the middle and familiarity with the conditions. The combination of the India A matches, the Mount Maunganui camp and the ODI series has given the squad a long run-up to the Tests. The team management will hope that preparation shows when the first Test begins.