Prasidh Krishna Declared Fit for New Zealand Test Series After Hamstring Setback

Prasidh Krishna has been declared fit by the BCCI Centre of Excellence and is set to be available for India’s two-match Test series against New Zealand. A BCCI source confirmed the news to PTI on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. The right-arm pacer had been sidelined by a left hamstring injury, which ruled him out of the five-match ODI series that begins in Auckland.

The clearance is a welcome boost for India as they prepare for the red-ball series. Krishna has been a regular in India’s Test plans, and his return gives the team a fit seam option ahead of the first match in Wellington.

The Injury and Recovery Timeline

The hamstring problem meant Krishna could not take part in the limited-overs series against New Zealand. The BCCI said he would be assessed again before the Test series, and he has now passed the fitness test at the CoE.

The five-match ODI series begins in Auckland on 4 November, and Krishna is not part of that squad. The decision reflects the team’s focus on his longer-term fitness rather than a short-term rush back into limited-overs cricket, according to reports.

Rather than joining the ODI squad, he is expected to travel to New Zealand and link up with the India A squad for the third unofficial four-day match against New Zealand A. That match is scheduled from 7 to 10 November in Lincoln, giving him a chance to build match fitness before the Test series begins.

Key Details at a Glance

Prasidh Krishna’s Test Career

Krishna made his Test debut against South Africa at Centurion on 26 December 2023, taking a wicket on his first appearance. His last Test was against Afghanistan on 6 June 2026. He last played an ODI for India against England on 19 July 2026, and his most recent T20I was against England on 11 July 2026.

He is known as a tall, lanky pacer who can generate bounce even on flat tracks, a trait that is valuable in overseas conditions.

Why His Return Matters

India’s pace group will be tested in New Zealand, where conditions often reward fast bowlers. Krishna’s fitness gives the selectors more options for the Wellington and Christchurch Tests, which will begin soon after the Lincoln match.

Shubman Gill has reportedly been impressed with Krishna’s progress this year, and the pacer is seen as central to India’s Test plans. Having him available also widens the choice for the captain when the squad is picked for the first Test.

The Two-Test Schedule

The first Test begins in Wellington on 19 November and runs to 23 November. The second Test is scheduled for Christchurch, from 27 November to 1 December.

The India A match in Lincoln serves as a key preparation game.

What Comes Next

Krishna is expected to fly to New Zealand shortly. If he performs well in the India A match, he will be in contention for a place in the Test XI for Wellington. The final selection will depend on conditions, team balance and the fitness of the rest of the pace group.

For Krishna, the clearance marks a return to the Test setup at a time when India want experienced pace options for a demanding overseas tour.

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