While the BCCI has announced for T20I series starting October 22, wait is still on for the ODIS and Test matches. Reports reveal the board is inclined towards maintaining Harshit Rana in both the formats. The all rounder was absent from the T20Is against Afghanistan and the Asian Games 2026 due to a rectus femoris (thigh muscle) strain. He currently is recovering from his injury.
A sports outlet quoted selectors as saying, “the selectors and team management are keen to have Rana in both formats, and he is seen as a perfect fit as the seam-bowling all-rounder batting at No. 8.”
Rishabh Pant and Prasidh Krishna are the other two players reportedly recovering from their respective injuries. It is being speculated a three week timeline has been given for their recovery by the BCCI.
With both Pant and Krishna, the injuries don’t look severe at the outset. But the CoE doesn’t want to take any chances. That’s why both of them were given three-week timelines when they reported to the CoE,” a source familiar with the boards decision said
Speculations onnBhuvneshwar Kumar returning to ODIs is also making rounds. It is being said the T20Is return was planned inaccordance to ease ODIs.
India is set to play 5 T20Is, several ODIs and two Tests against New Zealand starting this month. Neither Krishna nor Rana have been named in the squad. However veteran pacer Bhuvaneshwar Kumar has earned a spot in the national team.
Fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav, all three players are currently part of the Indian team featuring in the ongoing five-match T20I series against the West Indies.
India are likely to field a weakened team in the final two ODIs against New Zealand this October-December due to a congested schedule.
Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and other players featuring in both formats could be rested from the ODIs to prepare for the Tests. Shreyas Iyer is likely to captain India in Gill’s absence, potentially affecting World Cup preparations.
Oojha will lead the selection as he took charge after Ajit Agarkar retiered from the post.