Bangalore, Sept 14: Left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra is doubtful for the two-match Test series against New Zealand next month as he has not fully recovered from the ankle injury he sustained during the World Cup earlier this year, cricket board secretary S K Nair said today. Nehra, who has not played any competitive cricket since the World Cup in South Africa in February-March due to the injury, could, however, be fit in time for the triangular one-day tournament that follows the Test series, Nair told a news agency quoting a report by team physio Andrew Leipus.
Nair said the physio, under whom the bowler is undergoing rehabilitation programme, has said in a report that it cannot be said for sure if Nehra would be fit for the Test series, given his present pace of recovery. But Nair expressed hope that the bowler would be available for the tri-series involving India, New Zealand and Australia.
Selection committee chairman Brijesh Patel also said "According to Leipus, Nehra is not fit to take part in the Test series against New Zealand".
Nehra, who played a stellar role during India's World Cup campaign, is also sitting out of the lead-up games to the upcoming home series including the Challenger Trophy.
Bureau Report