The BCCI selection committee is likely to delay announcing India's ODI and Test squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour as it awaits fitness updates on Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Rishabh Pant. The BCCI want clarity on the players' recovery before finalising the squads for the overseas assignment.
India's contingent is expected to leave for New Zealand on October 28, with the ODI series beginning on November 4. The two-match Test series will be played from November 19. Krishna is an important pace-bowling option, while Pant is expected to play a major role in India's Test batting order.
BCCI Gives Prasidh Krishna and Rishabh Pant Three-Week Recovery Timelines
According to a report by TOI, Prasidh Krishna and Rishabh Pant have been given three-week recovery timelines after reporting to the Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Krishna experienced discomfort in his left hamstring during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30. The team management withdrew him after he bowled five overs as a precautionary measure.
Pant, meanwhile, suffered a side strain during the Irani Cup and will miss the first two India A four-day matches, beginning October 24. He had sought match practice with India A to regain his rhythm ahead of the Test series, but his injury has disrupted those plans.
The CoE has adopted a cautious approach to clearing players after rehabilitation, prioritising their complete recovery before they return to international cricket.
“With both Pant and Krishna, the injuries don’t look severe at the outset. But the CoE doesn’t want to take any chances. That’s why both of them were given threeweek timelines when they reported to CoE,” a BCCI source told TOI.
Krishna's recovery is particularly important for the BCCI selectors, given his role in India's pace attack across both formats. Pant's availability will also be crucial for the Test series, as he is expected to anchor the batting order.
Harshit Rana's Match Simulation Could Determine Squad Selection
Harshit Rana is also undergoing fitness assessments after spending time at the CoE since July. The seam-bowling all-rounder is expected to undergo a return-to-play match simulation before India's squads depart for New Zealand.
The selectors and team management are keen to include Rana in both formats, as they view him as a suitable option at No. 8 who can contribute with both bat and ball. His fitness could help India strengthen the lower order while maintaining depth in the pace attack.
“The selectors and team management are keen to have Rana in both formats, and he is seen as a perfect fit as the seam-bowling allrounder batting at No. 8,” the source added.
The BCCI selection committee is expected to assess Rana's match simulation before finalising the squads. His ability to contribute in both departments makes his fitness an important consideration for the upcoming tour.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Trains at CoE Ahead of T20I Return
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is training at the CoE after earning a place in India's T20I squad for the first time in four years. The 36-year-old has focused mainly on domestic T20 cricket and the IPL over the past three years, tailoring his schedule around franchise cricket.
His current training camp aims to prepare him for the physical demands of international cricket after several seasons focused primarily on the shortest format.
Meanwhile, India's Test regulars are expected to play a warm-up match before the first Test against New Zealand. The fixture is planned after the third India A four-day match concludes on November 10, giving the Test squad an opportunity to prepare for the series beginning on November 19.
