In order to get a clear picture on Hardik Pandya's fitness status, the MSK Prasad-led selection panel will pick India's Test and ODI squads for the New Zealand tour after a few days.
While T20I squad has been already announced last week, the meeting to select ODI and Test squads was tentatively scheduled for Sunday (January 19).
See Also: BCCI names Team India squad for the 5-match T20I series in New Zealand
"There isn't going to be too much of brainstorming with regards to the team. But a fit Hardik is a necessity. The moment NCA (National Cricket Academy) gives Hardik green light to play competitive cricket, he will be an automatic choice. So the selectors will wait for a few more days," a senior BCCI official told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
Last week, Pandya pulled out of India 'A' team's tour of New Zealand as he wasn't satisfied after the high-intensity bowling workload test. If Hardik fails to make it to the squad then selectors may go with swashbuckling Suryakumar Yadav since the ODIs in New Zealand will be an extension of T20Is in World Cup year.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul's stellar showing in white-ball cricket makes him a firm favourite to reclaim his place in the Test side.
Rahul, who did a brilliant job in T20Is and ODIs this home season, has lost his place in the Test squad after the West Indies tour last year. But as skipper Virat Kohli said after the second ODI against Australia that it's difficult to overlook a player of Rahul’s calibre from any squad, he might pipped the likes of Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw for reserve Test opener slot.
According to a report, young pacer Navdeep Saini could receive his maiden Test call-up for the Kiwi tour as well. Saini will go as an additional fast bowler rather than Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner since only one among Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja will feature the playing XI.
Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane’s comeback in the ODI side can’t be ruled out as well.
"Kedar [Jadhav] is certainly not going to play 2023 World Cup and doesn't even bowl now. Since he is not in T20, no point in carrying him to New Zealand. Possibly Surya or Rahane should be tried," a BCCI source privy to selection matters told PTI.
Team India are slated to play five T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests in the Kiwi tour, starting January 24.
(With PTI inputs)
