Team India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has returned to the selectors’ red-ball plans after an impressive Duleep Trophy campaign. However, the left-handed batter is unlikely to feature in the India A matches in New Zealand, as the fixtures overlap with India’s T20I and ODI commitments.
The national selection committee, led by interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha, is expected to meet within the next 48 hours to finalize the T20I, ODI, Test, and India A squads. The selectors will have to balance player availability with the need to give Test regulars enough red-ball preparation.
Ishan Kishan Strengthens Test Recall Case
Ishan Kishan strengthened his case for a Test recall with a standout Duleep Trophy campaign. While captaining East Zone in the final against South Zone in Chennai, he scored 270 off 334 balls and spent 522 minutes at the crease. He finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 409 runs.
According to the Times of India, the selectors have started discussions about keeping Ishan Kishan ready for Test cricket. However, Ishan Kishan's expected involvement in India’s white-ball squads could prevent him from playing the India A matches in New Zealand.
With the A series overlapping with the T20Is and ODIs, Dhruv Jurel and Kumar Kushagra could take up the wicketkeeping duties for India A. Ishan Kishan would participate in the five-match series against New Zealand
Test Regulars Set For India A Exposure
Rishabh Pant, who is currently focusing only on Test cricket, is expected to play at least one India A match as part of his preparation for the New Zealand series. KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, and Sai Sudharsan are also expected to feature in at least one four-day fixture.
Rahul is likely to join the India A side for the first match before linking up with the ODI squad in Auckland. The selectors are keen to give the Test regulars enough exposure to New Zealand conditions without weakening the white-ball squads.
Jasprit Bumrah's workload is another major issue for the selection committee. The team management wants the fast bowler to increase his bowling workload before the Wellington Test. An India A match remains an option, although a Ranji Trophy appearance has also been discussed.
Some India A bowlers could also remain in New Zealand after their matches to help the Test team in the nets. Spinners Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam, and Shivang Kumar previously provided similar support during India’s tour of Sri Lanka.
Mukesh Kumar Back On Selectors' Radar
Mukesh Kumar has returned to the selectors' plans after his impressive Irani Cup performance against Jammu & Kashmir. He is likely to be included in the India A squad, while Akash Deep is also expected to play some matches to build his readiness for the two Tests.
With Washington Sundar back to full fitness and Ravindra Jadeja expected to retain his place, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav are competing for the remaining options. The management is unlikely to take all four, with Kuldeep potentially missing out because of the preference for greater batting depth.
Nitish Kumar Reddy could also be preferred over another spin-bowling all-rounder to provide a better balance to the squad. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar are currently the leading options, while Akash Deep, Auqib Nabi, and Mukesh Kumar remain in contention.
