Boost for India as Prasidh Krishna cleared fit for Test series in New Zealand

Prasidh Krishna has received medical clearance ahead of India's two-Test series in New Zealand, starting November 19. His return strengthens the pace attack for an important World Test Championship assignment.Prasidh Krishna cleared to join India Test squad in New Zealand (PTI Photo)New Delhi,Nov 3, 2026 19:32 ISTPrasidh Krishna has been cleared to return to action and is set to be available for India's upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, providing a boost to the team's pace-bowling resources ahead of the crucial red-ball assignment.The Karnataka fast bowler underwent match simulations at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) on October 22 and 24 before being asked to complete another round on November 1 and 2. He has since received clearance from the medical team, paving the way for his return after more than a month on the sidelines.Prasidh was initially named in India's squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand, subject to fitness clearance. However, he was subsequently ruled out of the five-match series, with Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi coming into the squad. The first ODI of the series will get underway on November 4 in Auckland.Also Read: Rohit, Virat take centre stage as India switch to ODI World Cup prep in New Zealand The 30-year-old is expected to travel to New Zealand to feature in the third and final unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, scheduled to begin in Lincoln on November 7. The team management is understood to be keen on having him available for the two-Test series, which begins on November 19.Prasidh sustained a left hamstring injury during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30. He had bowled just five overs before walking off the field and has not played competitive cricket since. His return will be particularly important for India's pace attack, with Jasprit Bumrah set to return for the Test series after being rested from the ODIs. Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj and Akash Deep are also part of the Test squad.India's fast-bowling resources for the ongoing ODI series will include Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj. Yash Thakur will join the squad for the final two matches.The two-Test series against New Zealand is an important assignment for India in the World Test Championship cycle. The first Test will be played in Wellington from November 19, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27.- Ends