In view of the New Zealand tour, the BCCI will release the Ranji Trophy dictation

NEW DELHI: India are set to take on New Zealand in a crucial two-Test series starting on November 15 and a think tank has already started planning for the task. TimesofIndia.com has learned that the team management, including all members of the selection committee, were under pressure ahead of the 2nd ODI against West Indies in Guwahati.It was unanimously agreed that the Test hopefuls would be asked to play for their states in the Ranji Trophy, which begins on October 11. Both captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain KL Rahul are set to hold preparatory talks as they are likely to play for Punjab and Karnataka in at least one group stage match.“The match and the number of matches they will play will depend on the review of the medical team, taking into account the workload and tasks. We have to expect some players to participate in two formats. A decision will be made accordingly, but the participation will not be compromised. All senior players, including the captain, are expected to play at least one match provided they do not have any health or workload problems,” says the official tracking development.Talks have already started regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s tour planning. Team management wants him to have some red ball before the series begins in mid-November. The options on the table are either one Ranji Trophy match for Gujarat or an India A match when the team comes together for three matches from October 24.The T20I squad will be in action at the same time, so there could be a window for Bumrah to squeeze into the First Class facility, but it could be close for comfort as the ODI series begins on November 4 in Auckland. So it remains to be seen how management will chart its route, but volume will remain the key word.The fast bowling core identified for the New Zealand Tests comprising Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Auqib Nabi and Akash Deep will also be asked to get enough overs under their belt.A special focus will be on Akash as the team management is very excited to have him back in the squad and will be closely monitoring his progress starting with the Irani Cup tie in Srinagar.Another player to watch closely is all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, more so for his bowling as he will lend a crucial balance to the playing XI.With Ajit Agarkar unlikely to get an extension as chief selector, Pragyan Ojha could well preside over the selection meeting when the men who matter gather to select the squads for the tour of New Zealand. As first reported by TimesofIndia.com, Parthiv Patel is the frontrunner to replace Agarkar from West Zone to become the new chairman, but the formalities may take some time.