The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to ask senior Test hopefuls to play domestic red-ball cricket ahead of the two-match Test series against New Zealand. The move comes after India’s 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand in 2024, with the management keen to ensure players get sufficient match practice.
India, led by Shubman Gill, will begin their New Zealand tour in November, with the Test series carrying importance in the World Test Championship cycle. The team management and selection committee have already started planning for the tour, including workload, medical clearance and domestic commitments.
BCCI Set to Mandate Ranji Trophy Participation for Senior Stars
The BCCI is expected to make domestic red-ball participation a priority for all senior players selected for the New Zealand Tests. According to a report by The Times of India, players are likely to be asked to represent their respective state teams in the Ranji Trophy, which begins on October 11.
Captain Shubman Gill is expected to play for Punjab, while vice-captain KL Rahul could represent Karnataka. Both are likely to feature in at least one group-stage match as part of their preparation for the New Zealand series.
However, the number of matches will depend on medical clearance and workload management. The BCCI will also consider the schedules of players involved in more than one format.
An official tracking developments told The Times of India: “The match and the number of matches they play will depend on the medical team’s clearance, keeping the workload and assignments in mind. We must factor in that some players participate in two formats. Accordingly, a decision will be made, but participation will not be compromised. All senior players, including the captain, are expected to play at least one game provided there are no medical/workload concerns.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s New Zealand Test Preparation
Jasprit Bumrah’s preparation will require a separate plan because of his workload. The management wants the fast bowler to get some red-ball overs before the Test series and is considering either a Ranji Trophy appearance for Gujarat or an India A fixture.
India A are scheduled to assemble for three matches from October 24, giving Bumrah another possible route to gain first-class match practice. However, the T20I schedule and India’s ODI series against New Zealand from November 4 could make his schedule difficult to manage.
The selection meeting for the New Zealand tour could take place during a transition in the senior men’s selection committee. Current chief selector Ajit Agarkar is unlikely to receive a contract extension from the BCCI, and former India spinner Pragyan Ojha could chair the meeting on an interim basis.
According to The Times of India, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel is the frontrunner to replace Agarkar as the West Zone representative and become the new chairman of the senior men’s selection committee. However, the formal appointment process from the BCCI could take some time.
Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy Under Watch
The fast-bowling group identified for the New Zealand Tests includes Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Auqib Nabi and Akash Deep. The management wants the pacers to build up sufficient red-ball workloads before the overseas assignment.
Akash Deep will receive particular attention after returning from injury. His progress will be monitored closely, beginning with the Irani Cup match in Srinagar. The team management is particularly keen to assess his fitness and bowling workload before finalising the Test plans.
Seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is another player under close observation. The BCCI selectors are particularly interested in his bowling workload because his ability to contribute with both bat and ball could provide an important balance to the Test XI in New Zealand.
The domestic matches will therefore give the management an opportunity to assess not only match fitness but also the workloads of players returning from injury.
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