India delay New Zealand tour selection over fitness concerns
Fitness issues for three frontline players have pushed back squad announcements for the New Zealand tour.
India's selectors are holding off on New Zealand tour squads until they get fresh fitness updates on Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Rishabh Pant. The ODI series opens November 4, the Tests follow on November 19.
Krishna felt left-hamstring trouble in the second ODI against West Indies and has been given three weeks to prove he's fit. Rana hasn't played since July; his return-to-play test is set for October 25. Pant's side strain rules him out of India A's four-day games starting October 24.
The management wants Rana in both formats as the seam-bowling all-rounder at eight. Krishna is seen as a vital piece of the pace attack. Squads will be named as late as possible before the October 28 departure.
CricHubb Take
Waiting until the last minute risks leaving India short of match practice if any of the three fail their tests, yet naming them early could backfire if they break down mid-tour.