Bengaluru: India pacer Prasidh Krishna is facing a major injury setback ahead of the team’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, with a hamstring problem reportedly set to keep him out of action for three to four weeks. His availability for the ODI series is now uncertain, adding to India’s growing concerns over the fitness of its pace attack.

Krishna suffered the injury during India’s second ODI against the West Indies. According to a report cited by NDTV Sports from The Times of India, the fast bowler is expected to remain out for at least three weeks and could take around four weeks to return to full bowling rhythm.

The timing of the setback is particularly significant as India are scheduled to begin their ODI series against New Zealand on November 4. With roughly a month between the injury and the first ODI, Krishna’s participation will depend on how quickly he recovers and regains full fitness.

Prasidh Krishna injury raises selection concerns

Krishna has recently become an important part of India’s plans in both Test and ODI cricket. His ability to generate pace and movement makes him a valuable option for the team, particularly with preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup already taking shape.

The report states that Krishna has reported to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru following the injury. His rehabilitation and bowling workload will now be closely monitored before a decision is taken on his participation in the New Zealand series.

The immediate concern is the ODI leg of the New Zealand tour. Even if Krishna becomes available around the start of the series, the team management may not want to rush him back into international cricket unless he is able to bowl at full intensity.

That could leave India looking at alternative combinations for the three-match ODI series.

India already dealing with pace bowling concerns

Krishna’s injury comes at a difficult time for India’s fast-bowling department. Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and fitness have been managed carefully for an extended period, while Harshit Rana and Hardik Pandya are also currently unavailable because of injuries, according to the report.

India’s recent ODI combination against the West Indies included Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj and Anshul Kamboj. While the trio provides the team with options, the absence of several established pace-bowling choices could make team selection more challenging as India look towards the 2027 World Cup.

The situation could become even more complicated because India’s New Zealand assignment does not end with the ODIs. The tour also includes two Tests, meaning workload management will be an important consideration for players who feature across formats.

Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir face selection dilemma

India captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir will have to balance immediate results with longer-term World Cup planning.

If Krishna is unavailable, India may need to rely on less experienced options or adjust the balance of the bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj remains an experienced option, but his workload could become an issue if he is also required for the Test series that follows the ODIs.

The possibility of Siraj missing some of the later ODIs because of Test commitments could create another selection challenge for the management.

The upcoming New Zealand tour is therefore likely to provide India with an important opportunity to assess the depth of its pace-bowling resources. The team will need to identify combinations that can cope with injuries while also protecting key players ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

New Zealand tour begins later this month

India’s New Zealand tour begins with a five-match T20I series. The first two matches are scheduled in Christchurch on October 22 and 24, followed by games in Wellington on October 27, Auckland on October 30 and Hamilton on November 1.

The ODI series begins shortly afterwards, with the first match scheduled for November 4. The Test matches will follow the limited-overs fixtures.

For Krishna, the immediate priority will be recovery rather than rushing to meet the original tour schedule. His progress over the next few weeks will determine whether he can return in time to contribute to India’s ODI plans.

For Gill and Gambhir, however, the injury is another reminder of the challenges involved in building a settled pace attack ahead of a major World Cup cycle. With Bumrah’s workload being managed and several other quicks currently unavailable, Krishna’s fitness could have a significant bearing on India’s plans for New Zealand.