The Indian team for the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand has been announced, but the selection of the squads for the ODI and Test series may be delayed. The selectors are awaiting the fitness reports of three key players—Rishabh Pant, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana. According to reports, the final squads for both formats will be announced only after the status of these players becomes clear.

NZ vs IND: Team India squad announcement postponed, talks stuck on fitness of Rishabh Pant, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana

Keeping an eye on the fitness of Prasidh Krishna and Rishabh Pant

Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna had to leave the field after experiencing discomfort in his left hamstring while bowling during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30. He was subsequently sent to the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, where he has been given three weeks to regain fitness.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant suffered a side strain during the Irani Cup. The BCCI has already confirmed that Pant will not play in India A’s first two four-day matches against New Zealand A, starting October 24th. Pant is a key player for Team India in the Test format.

Harshit Rana has been out for a long time

Fast bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana has been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence since July. He was expected to return in September, but suffered a recurrence of the injury during match simulations as part of the return-to-play protocols.

 Impact on the series

The BCCI and team management are in no mood to rush into the New Zealand tour. The chief selector will finalize the players for the ODI and Test series only after receiving the green light from the Center of Excellence.