Prasidh Krishna is set to miss India’s five-match ODI series in New Zealand after failing to fully recover from a hamstring injury, a BCCI source told PTI on Wednesday. The series begins in Auckland on November 4, 2026, while Krishna is scheduled for match simulation and fitness testing at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on November 1 and 2.
The decision gives India’s team management and national selection committee a choice between replacing Krishna for the ODI leg or preserving his recovery for the two-Test series that follows. Krishna’s absence affects the entire five-match ODI programme, rather than only the opening fixtures.
Why Krishna has been ruled out
Krishna suffered the hamstring injury during India’s home ODI series against the West Indies and has been undergoing rehabilitation. The BCCI source said he was recovering well, but was not yet ready for the demands of international one-day cricket.
The team management and selectors believe the fast bowler’s priority should be reaching full fitness for Test cricket, where his availability is considered more important. His planned assessment at the Centre of Excellence will provide a further fitness update, but it does not by itself confirm his return to the ODI squad.
"India’s immediate selection call is being shaped by workload management, with Krishna’s Test readiness taking priority over a rushed ODI comeback."
Aaqib Nabi emerges as a possible replacement
Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Aaqib Nabi is among the names being considered to replace Krishna. He impressed during India A’s first unofficial red-ball match against New Zealand A in Lincoln, according to the information shared by the BCCI source.
Aaqib is already included in the listed India squad for the final two ODIs, while the selectors have yet to confirm whether he will be added or elevated as Krishna’s replacement for the complete series. The replacement decision remains with the national selection committee, rather than being automatic because of the injury.
India’s first three ODI squad is led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain. Iyer is listed as captain for the final two matches, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav among the players selected across the ODI leg.
New Zealand tour schedule and selection picture
The ODI series will begin in Auckland before moving to Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui. The last two matches are scheduled at Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.
| Key Metric / Entity | Verified Detail | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Prasidh Krishna | Expected to miss all five ODIs because of a hamstring injury | India must adjust its pace combination before the tour begins |
| Fitness review | Match simulation and fitness test on November 1-2 in Bengaluru | The assessment will track recovery, but does not guarantee ODI selection |
| Possible replacement | Aaqib Nabi is under consideration and listed for the final two ODIs | The selectors have a domestic and India A performer available |
| ODI series | November 4, 7, 10, 13 and 15, 2026 | India faces a compressed five-match schedule in New Zealand |
| Test series | November 19 in Wellington and November 27 in Christchurch | Krishna’s recovery is being planned with the longer format in mind |
What India’s pace attack looks like now
The ODI squads include Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, while Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Yash Thakur and Aaqib Nabi feature across the two squad lists. The final combination will depend on conditions, workload and the selectors’ decision on Krishna’s replacement.
The New Zealand tour therefore becomes an early test of India’s pace depth. The selectors must balance immediate ODI cover with the longer-term requirement of a fully fit bowling group for the Tests, which begin four days after the final ODI.
For now, Krishna’s next confirmed step is rehabilitation and testing at the Bengaluru Centre of Excellence. The BCCI and selection committee are expected to settle the replacement question before India’s departure for the ODI series.
