The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors and team management are reportedly keen to retain fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana in both the ODI and Test squads for India’s upcoming series against New Zealand, despite the player currently recovering from an injury.
The team management views Rana as a suitable seam-bowling all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball, particularly at No. 8 in the batting order. The BCCI has yet to announce India’s squads for the ODI and Test matches against New Zealand, with player fitness among the factors being monitored ahead of selection.
India are scheduled to play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches against New Zealand. The T20I series is set to begin on October 22, while the wider tour includes the ODI and Test assignments beginning later in the schedule.
Harshit Rana’s Fitness Under Observation
Rana is recovering from a rectus femoris strain, an injury involving a thigh muscle. The injury had ruled him out of India’s T20I matches against Afghanistan and the Asian Games 2026.
Despite the setback, the selectors and team management are reportedly interested in considering him for both the ODI and Test formats. His ability to provide a seam-bowling option while contributing useful runs lower down the order is understood to be a key factor behind the interest.
A BCCI source quoted in a Times of India report said the selectors and team management were keen to have Rana available in both formats, describing him as a suitable fit for the role of a seam-bowling all-rounder batting at No. 8.
However, his selection will depend on his recovery and fitness. The BCCI has not yet officially announced the squads for the ODI and Test series, and Rana’s availability remains an important consideration ahead of the selections.
Rishabh Pant and Prasidh Krishna Also Recovering
Rana is not the only Indian player whose fitness is being monitored. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna are also recovering from their respective injuries.
According to the report, both Pant and Krishna have been given a three-week recovery timeline after reporting to the Centre of Excellence (CoE). The BCCI is reportedly keen to avoid rushing either player back into action.
A source quoted in the report said the injuries did not appear severe at first, but the CoE wanted to take a cautious approach. The three-week timelines were provided to ensure the players receive sufficient time to recover.
Their progress will be important as India prepare for the upcoming assignments against New Zealand. The management’s approach indicates that fitness and recovery are being considered before decisions are made about the squads.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns to India’s T20I Squad
While Rana and Krishna have not been included in India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand series, experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has earned a recall to the national team.
Other pace options available to India include Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav. All three are currently part of the Indian team competing in the ongoing five-match T20I series against West Indies.
The upcoming New Zealand tour will require India to plan their resources across three formats. The availability of specialist fast bowlers and players capable of contributing with the bat could influence the final squad combinations.
For Rana, a return to full fitness would strengthen his case for selection in the ODI and Test teams. However, the BCCI has yet to confirm whether he will be included.
India’s Announced T20I Squad for New Zealand
India’s announced T20I squad for the New Zealand series is as follows:
- Shreyas Iyer (captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Ishan Kishan
- Tilak Varma
- Axar Patel
- Shivam Dubey
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Plant Man
- Prince Yadav
- Mayank Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
Neither Harshit Rana nor Prasidh Krishna features in the announced T20I squad. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return provides India with an experienced pace option, while the selectors continue to assess the fitness of players being considered for the ODI and Test formats.
Final Squad Decisions Awaited
India’s squads for the ODI and Test series against New Zealand are yet to be announced. Rana’s recovery, along with the fitness updates on Pant and Krishna, could be relevant to the selection process.
The reported interest in Rana reflects the value the team management places on an all-rounder who can strengthen the lower order while providing seam bowling. Nevertheless, his inclusion in either squad will depend on his fitness and the selectors’ final decision.
With the New Zealand tour approaching, India will be looking to balance player workload, recovery and team requirements before confirming the remaining squads.