A boost for India as Prasidh Krishna passes eligibility for the New Zealand Test series

Prasidh Krishna has been cleared to return to action and is set to be available for India’s upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, providing a boost to the team’s bowling resources ahead of the crucial red-ball task.

The Karnataka fast bowler underwent match simulations at BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE) on October 22 and 24 before being asked to complete the next round on November 1 and 2. He has since been cleared by the medical team, paving the way for his return after more than a month on the sidelines.

Prasidh was initially named in the Indian squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand, subject to eligibility clearance. However, he was subsequently dropped from the five-match series, with Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi in the lineup. The first ODI series will begin on November 4 in Auckland.

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The 30-year-old is expected to travel to New Zealand to feature in the third and final unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, scheduled to begin in Lincoln on November 7. The team management is keen to make him available for the two-Test series starting on November 19.

Prasidh suffered a left hamstring injury during the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on 30 September. He bowled just five overs before retiring from the field and has not played competitive cricket since.

His return will be particularly important for India’s pace attack, with Jasprit Bumrah set to return for the Test series after being rested from ODIs. Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj and Akash Deep are also part of the Test squad.

India’s fast bowling resources for the ongoing ODI series will include Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj. Yash Thakur joins the team for the last two matches.

The two-Test series against New Zealand is an important task for India in the World Test Championship cycle. The first Test will be played in Wellington from November 19, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27.

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