BCCI to order New Zealand-bound Test hopefuls into Ranji Trophy
BCCI to order New Zealand-bound Test hopefuls into Ranji Trophy
NEW DELHI: With India set to lock horns with New Zealand in a crucial away two-Test series starting November 15, the team's think-tank has already begun mapping out its preparation — and the Ranji Trophy will be central to those plans.
TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the team management, including all members of the selection committee, was in a huddle before the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati. It was unanimously agreed that Test hopefuls will be asked to turn out for their respective states in the Ranji Trophy, which begins on October 11.
Both captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain KL Rahul are set to lead the preparation talk, as they are likely to play for Punjab and Karnataka respectively in at least one group-stage fixture.
"The match and the number of matches they play will depend on the medical team's clearance, keeping the workload and assignments in mind. We must factor in that some players participate in two formats. Accordingly, a decision will be made, but participation will not be compromised. All senior players, including the captain, are expected to play at least one game provided there are no medical/workload concerns," said an official tracking developments.
Bumrah's red-ball volume in focus
Conversations have already begun regarding Jasprit Bumrah's planning for the tour. The team management wants him to build some red-ball volume before the series opener in mid-November. The options on the table are either one Ranji Trophy fixture for Gujarat or an India A appearance when the squad assembles for three fixtures starting October 24.
The T20I team will be in action at the same time, so there could be a window for Bumrah to squeeze in a First Class fixture — but it could be tight for comfort, with the ODI series starting November 4 in Auckland. How the management charts his route remains to be seen, but volume will remain the keyword.
Fast-bowling core and all-rounder watch
The fast-bowling core identified for the New Zealand Tests — Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Auqib Nabi and Akash Deep — will also be asked to get enough overs under their belt. Special focus will be on Akash, with the team management excited to have him back in the set-up and closely monitoring his progress starting with the Irani Cup tie in Srinagar.
Another player who will be keenly tracked is all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, more for his bowling, as he would lend the crucial balance to the Playing XI.
A changing of the guard in selection
With Ajit Agarkar unlikely to get an extension as chief selector, Pragyan Ojha could well chair the selection meeting when the men who matter assemble to pick squads for the New Zealand tour. As TimesofIndia.com first reported, Parthiv Patel is the frontrunner to replace Agarkar from the West Zone and become the new chairman, though the formalities could take some time.