India’s tour of New Zealand: Prasidh Krishna, fitness delays Harshit Rana’s team selection

Prasidh Krishna (Image credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: 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 await the fitness status of Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Rishabh Pant.TOI understands that Krishna was given a three-week grace period when he reported to the Center of Excellence (CoE) after he walked out of the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on 30 September. Sem-bowling all-rounder Rana, who has been on the CoE since July, is expected to undergo a match simulation to return to action on June 2 and is expected to fly out for the June 2 OdDI Test. 28, with the ODI series starting on November 4.The BCCI on Monday announced that Pant will not be available for India ‘A”s first two four-day matches starting October 24 due to a side strain he picked up in the Irani Cup match. The CoE is understood to have adopted a cautious approach in clearing players after rehabilitation.Sources told TOI that the Indian team management withdrew Krishna after bowling five in Guwahati as a precautionary measure after he complained of some discomfort in his left hamstring.“Both Pant and Krishna’s injuries don’t look serious to begin with. But the CoE doesn’t want to take any chances. That’s why both were given three-week deadlines when they reported to the CoE,” a BCCI source told TOI.“The selectors and the team management want to have Rana in both formats and he is seen as the perfect bat as an all-rounder for seam bowling at No.8,” the source added.Krishna is seen as the primary member of the pace bowling attack in both Tests and ODIs, while Pant will form the mainstay during the two-Test series starting on November 19. Pant has asked for game time with the India ‘A’ team to find a rhythm ahead of the Tests.The Test team is expected to play a warm-up match before the first Test after India’s third four-day ‘A’ match ends on November 10.

Bhuvi training at CoE

It was also revealed that Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was selected for T20Is after four years, is undergoing training at the CoE. Over the last three years, the 36-year-old designed his calendar to prepare for the IPL. He only played T20s in domestic cricket. The camp at the CoE aims to get back into shape for the rigors of international cricket.