BCCI to finalize India's ODI and Test squads for NZ tour only after clarity about Hardik Pandya’s health

Waiting for more clarity on the fitness levels and recovery of the ace Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, the selection committee has delayed its meeting for selecting the team for the upcoming tour to New Zealand.

In October last year, Hardik Pandya had undergone a successful back surgery in London. He had incurred an acute lower back injury, which caused him to lose on a lot of cricket. At the time of the surgery, Pandya was expected to be out of action for almost 3-4 months. But, the all-rounder has made significant progress in his recovery process, by training under proper supervision at the National Cricket Academy.

Owing to Hardik’s earlier than expected recovery, the selection committee, has postponed their meeting to select the squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, a BCCI official told on the condition of anonymity, as reported by Republic World.

As per the report, the meeting was scheduled to take place on Sunday, but the officials postponed it. The main reason behind this remains the lack of clarity over Hardik’s health. After the reports from the National Cricket Academy comes and has the approval to include Hardik, he will be an automatic inclusion in the squad.

Suryakumar Yadav and Ajinkya Rahane can be picked in the squad

But, in case, there are still some doubts and Hardik does not get the clearance, the selectors will have to look at other options. And, the name that will be at the top of the list will be that of Suryakumar Yadav. He is a big hitter of the ball like Hardik and has been doing well in the domestic circuit. Also, it is about time that Yadav sees the Indian jersey with his name on it.

As far as the other players are concerned, KL Rahul, all thanks to his excellent form, will most probably not be left out. The conditions in New Zealand could also tempt the selectors to drop Kuldeep Yadav from the squad and bring in the young pacer Navdeep Saini. Reportedly, Ajinkya Rahane will be replacing Kedar Jadhav, whose inclusion in the 2023 World Cup is pretty doubtful. And, the kind of good experience that Rahane would bring to the dressing room, makes him a go-to replacement for Kedar Jadhav.

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