CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: New Delhi. After the selection of the Indian cricket team for the New Zealand tour, questions are being raised over the absence of experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami and the inclusion of Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from injury, in the Test squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squads for the upcoming ODI and Test series against New Zealand on October 16. Jasprit Bumrah has returned to the Test squad, while Shami has not found a place.
Pant’s selection is subject to fitness clearance. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been included in the squad for the two-match Test series, but his participation will depend on fitness clearance. Pant had suffered a left-side strain during the Irani Cup. Because of this, he was ruled out of the first two unofficial Tests for India A on the New Zealand tour. Despite this, the selectors have included him in the main Test squad. A final decision on Pant’s availability will be taken on the basis of the BCCI medical team’s report. If he is not fit in time, Dhruv Jurel is available in the squad as a wicketkeeping option.
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has also been selected subject to fitness clearance. He had suffered a hamstring strain. In such a situation, the fitness of players before the tour has become an important issue for the team management.
Mohammed Shami has been left out despite his form, intensifying discussion around the selection process. Shami has impressed with his bowling in domestic cricket. Playing for Bengal against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, he took five wickets and indicated his form. Despite this, his name is not in the Test squad selected for the New Zealand tour.
The selectors have not given any clear official explanation for keeping Shami out. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to link his absence to any specific fitness issue or performance matter. For fast bowling, India have included Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Anshul Kamboj. Nitish Kumar Reddy will also provide an additional bowling option. Akash Deep has returned to the team, while Bumrah’s comeback will add experience to the bowling attack.
The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will begin on November 4. Shubman Gill will captain the side in the first three ODIs, while Shreyas Iyer will lead the team in the last two matches. The first Test of the series will be played from November 19 in Wellington and the second Test from November 27 in Christchurch.
The Test series will also be important from the point of view of the World Test Championship. In such circumstances, the selectors face the challenge of balancing fitness, experience and current form. Until an official response is given on the decision to leave Shami out, discussion around this selection is likely to continue.
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