India’s senior Test players are set to be directed towards domestic red-ball cricket as part of preparations for the upcoming two-Test tour of New Zealand, according to a report by The Times of India.
The plan is expected to put several established internationals back into the Ranji Trophy, which begins on October 11. India Captain Shubman Gill and Vice-Captain KL Rahul are likely to represent Punjab and Karnataka, respectively, in at least one group-stage match, subject to their availability and workload.
The approach was discussed as India’s team management and selectors met in Guwahati ahead of the second ODI against the West Indies, with preparations for the New Zealand assignment among the issues on the agenda.
Domestic schedule offers multiple preparation routes
The selectors will have both the Ranji Trophy and India A programme available as they map out preparations for players with different international commitments.
India’s tour begins with five T20Is from October 22, followed by five ODIs from November 4 and the two-Test series later in November. The India A side, meanwhile, begins a three-match red-ball programme on October 24, creating another opportunity for first-class preparation outside the Ranji Trophy.
How much domestic cricket individual players undertake will depend on their fitness and workloads. 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.”
Returning players come under selection focus
Akash Deep is among the players whose progress will be closely monitored as the selectors begin assessing their red-ball options. The fast bowler is returning to competitive action through the Irani Cup in Srinagar, giving the team management an opportunity to assess his readiness ahead of the New Zealand assignment.
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will also be monitored, with his bowling particularly relevant as the team management considers the balance of the Test side.
India’s broader fast-bowling group for the tour includes Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Auqib Nabi alongside Akash Deep. Building sufficient bowling workloads before departure will form part of the preparation for the pace options under consideration.
Bumrah’s red-ball programme requires separate planning
Jasprit Bumrah presents a different scheduling challenge because his first-class preparation has to be fitted around India’s international programme.
A Ranji Trophy appearance for Gujarat is one option being considered. Alternatively, Bumrah could use an India A match to gain red-ball exposure before the Test series.
The ODI leg begins in Auckland on November 4, limiting the available window for additional first-class cricket. His preparation will therefore have to balance the team management’s desire for red-ball bowling with the need to manage his overall workload.
Senior players face common red-ball requirement
The individual routes may differ, but the wider preparation plan is intended to ensure India’s Test contenders enter the New Zealand series with recent red-ball cricket wherever fitness and scheduling allow.
Gill and Rahul could achieve that through their respective state sides, while the combination of Ranji Trophy and India A cricket gives the selectors alternatives for other members of the Test group. Medical clearance and multi-format commitments will determine the precise workload assigned to each player before the New Zealand Tests.
