Prasidh Krishna Ruled Out of ODI Series; BCCI Updates Squad

Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury, a decision confirmed by the BCCI on October 30, 2026. The selectors determined that Krishna requires additional recovery time and workload management, effectively ending his white-ball participation for the tour. He will undergo a Return to Play (RTP) assessment and, if cleared, is expected to join the senior squad for the third four-day game against New Zealand A. This pathway is designed to provide him with competitive match time before the two-Test series begins.

In a related squad adjustment, Mohammed Siraj has been assigned to the India A setup for the four-day fixture commencing October 31, 2026. Following this stint, Siraj will move to the senior squad for the third four-day game, a move reflecting the BCCI's intent to keep him in rhythm ahead of the Tests. The India A side for the October 31 fixture is captained by Dhruv Jurel, who also serves as wicketkeeper, with Kumar Kushagra as the backup keeper. The bowling and all-round unit includes Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Shikhar Mohan, Mukesh Choudhary, Mukesh Kumar, and Manav Suthar.

The BCCI has split the ODI squad into two groups to accommodate the concurrent India A programme. For the first three ODIs, starting November 4, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland, Shubman Gill leads the team with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain. Nitish Kumar Reddy remains with this senior ODI side for the opening match before returning to the India A programme. The updated squad for the first three matches includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and others, while a separate list named for the fourth and fifth ODIs features Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan as vice-captain.

The broader context involves the India A four-day games serving as direct preparation for the two-Test series. The first Test is scheduled for November 19, 2026, at Basin Reserve in Wellington, followed by the second Test from November 27 to December 1, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Four batters—Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Yash Rathod—were added to the India A group for the October 31 fixture to bolster the lineup.

What to watch: Whether Prasidh Krishna clears his RTP assessment to join the senior squad for the third four-day game.

Editor's note: The draft effectively integrates the squad changes and the broader context of the India A programme.