Prasidh Krishna Ruled Out of New Zealand ODI Series Due to Injury

India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna been ruled out of upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Karnataka pacer now be considered for third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, provided he successfully clears the Return to Play (RTP) fitness assessment.

The move is aimed at helping Prasidh regain match fitness and build the required bowling workload ahead of two-match Test series against New Zealand.

As reported earlier Cricbuzz on October 28, Prasidh's availability for the ODI series, scheduled to begin on November 4, was uncertain. team management, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, were reportedly keen to have him available for the subsequent Test assignments.

Prasidh picked hamstring injury during the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati September 30. managed to bowl only five overs before leaving the field, and his recovery has taken longer than initially anticipated.

In its official communication, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that the fast bowler requires additional time develop the workload necessary to return to competitive cricket. The selectors have not announced a replacement him in the ODI squad. India will also be without Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for the series.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Feature in Only the First ODI

Meanwhile, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy have a revised schedule for New Zealand assignment. Initially selected for the entire ODI series, Nitish will now participate only in the opening match before joining the India A squad for the third unofficial Test.

The decision is intended to provide him with valuable red-ball match practice ahead of India's first Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19.

His inclusion in the India A setup will give him an opportunity to spend more time in the longer format and prepare for the upcoming Test challenge.

India's Updated ODI Squad for the First Three Matches

Shubman Gill will lead the Indian team in opening three ODIs, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain. The squad also features experienced players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.

Squad:

Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

India's Updated ODI Squad for the Fourth and Fifth Matches

For the final two matches, Shreyas Iyer take over the captaincy, while Ishan Kishan has been named vice-captain. The squad also includes changes in the pace-bowling and wicketkeeping departments.

Squad:

Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (Vice-Captain), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.

Mohammed Siraj Added to India A Squad for Second Unofficial Test

In another squad development, senior India pacer Mohammed Siraj been included in the India A team for the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A. The four-day match is scheduled to begin on October 31 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Led by wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, India A squad already features several players with international Test experience.

India A came close securing an impressive victory in the opening unofficial Test at Lincoln. However, New Zealand A managed to hold on for a draw as fading light brought an end to the contest.

Siraj's inclusion is expected to strengthen bowling attack for the Christchurch fixture. Meanwhile, KL Rahul, who featured in the first unofficial Test, will not be part of the second game as he prepares for India's upcoming ODI commitments.

India A's Updated Squad for the Second Four-Day Match Against New Zealand A:

Dhruv Jurel (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Yash Rathod, R Smaran, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Shikhar Mohan, Mukesh Choudhary, Mukesh Kumar, Manav Suthar and Kumar Kushagra.

Prasidh Krishna's recovery will remain an important focus Indian team as they prepare for the Test series. His potential return through the India A setup could provide the Karnataka fast bowler with the opportunity to regain match rhythm and build the fitness required for international cricket.