Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana fitness delays India's New Zealand squad selection

Selectors wait on fitness of key trio

The selection committee is likely to leave it as late as possible before naming the ODI and Test squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, as they wait on the fitness status of Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Rishabh Pant, according to Times of India.

Prasidh Krishna on a three-week timeline

Krishna has been given a three-week timeline after he reported to the Centre of Excellence (CoE) following his exit from the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on September 30. Sources told TOI that the Indian team management pulled him out after bowling five overs as a precautionary measure, after he complained of discomfort in his left hamstring.

Krishna is seen as a primary member of the pace-bowling attack in both Tests and ODIs.

Harshit Rana close to return-to-play test

Seam-bowling allrounder Harshit Rana, who has been at the CoE since July, is expected to undergo a return-to-play match simulation on June 25 before the squads are finalised. The selectors and team management are keen to have Rana in both formats, with a BCCI source describing him as a perfect fit as a seam-bowling allrounder batting at No. 8.

Pant ruled out of early India A games

The BCCI announced on Monday that Pant will not be available for the first two India 'A' four-day matches starting October 24, due to a side strain he picked up in the Irani Cup match. Pant had asked for game time with the India 'A' team to find rhythm before the Tests, and he is expected to be the batting mainstay in the two-Test series starting November 19.

"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 three-week timelines when they reported to CoE," a BCCI source told TOI.

Cautious approach at the CoE

It is learnt that the CoE has adopted a cautious approach in clearing players after rehab. The ODI and Test squads are expected to fly out on October 28, with the ODI series scheduled to start on November 4. The Test team is expected to play a warm-up match before the first Test after the third India 'A' four-day match finishes on November 10.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar back in training

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been picked for the T20Is after four years, is undergoing training at the CoE. The 36-year-old had spent the last three years designing his calendar around the IPL and has only been playing T20s in domestic cricket. The camp is intended to get him back in shape for the rigours of international cricket.