NEW DELHI: India are set to lock horns with New Zealand in a crucial away two-Test series starting November 15 and the think-tank has already commenced planning for the assignment. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the team management, including all members of the selection committee, was in a huddle before the 2nd ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati.It has been unanimously agreed that the Test hopefuls will be asked to play for their respective states in the Ranji Trophy, which begins on October 11. Both captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain KL Rahul are set to lead the preparation talk as they are likely to play for Punjab and Karnataka, respectively, in at least one group stage fixture.“The match and the number of matches they play will depend on the medical team’s clearance, keeping the workload and assignments in mind. We must factor in that some players participate in two formats. Accordingly, a decision will be made, but participation will not be compromised. All senior players, including the captain, are expected to play at least one game provided there are no medical/workload concerns,” says an official tracking developments.Conversations have already begun regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s planning for the tour. The team management wants him to have some red-ball volume before playing the series opener in mid-November. The options on the table are either one Ranji Trophy fixture for Gujarat or the India A game when the squad assembles for the three fixtures starting October 24.The T20I team will be in action at the same time so there well could be a window for Bumrah to squeeze in a First Class fixture but it could be close for comfort as the ODI series starts November 4 in Auckland. So it remains to be seen how the management charts his route, but volume will remain the keyword.The fast bowling core identified for the New Zealand Tests comprising Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Auqib Nabi and Akash Deep will also be asked to get enough overs under their belt.Special focus will be on Akash as the team management is very excited to have him back in the set up and will closely monitor his progress starting with the Irani Cup tie in Srinagar.Another player who will be keenly tracked is all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, more for his bowling because he will lend the crucial balance to the Playing XI.With Ajit Agarkar unlikely to get an extension as the chief selector, Pragyan Ojha could well chair the selection meeting when the men who matter assemble to pick squads for the tour of New Zealand. As TimesofIndia.com first reported, Parthiv Patel is frontrunner to replace Agarkar from West Zone and become the new chairman but the formalities could take some time.
