Injury-troubled Barinder Sran rues missing out on upcoming New Zealand series

After making his debut in the limited-overs formats earlier this year, Indian pacer Barinder Sran has expressed disappointment at not pushing a case for Test selection in the forthcoming New Zealand series due to fitness reasons. Having been initially selected in both the first-class as well 50-overs teams for the ‘A’ tour to Australia, the 23-year old suffered an injury in his right foot at a nets session ahead of the opening match and was replaced by Shardul Thakur.

Medical reports had diagnosed a stress fracture and ruled him out of bowling until the next six weeks. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the left-armer admitted to being frustrated about the scenario. With four more weeks left in the timeframe, he will not be considered for the 3-Test series and also remains in doubt for the subsequent 5 ODIs against the Kiwis.

Sran rued, “I was looking forward to the Australian (’A’) tour. The ODIs followed by the four-day games would have given me ample chances, and the pitches would have suited my style of bowling. It was disappointing to have my foot injured a day before the first game of the quadrangular series.“

He added, “I was eyeing a good show in Australia. The fact that New Zealand is coming to India for ODI as well as Test series was at the back of the mind. A good outing could have got me into the Test team. Sadly, the injury happened and now I am sitting at home and missing the cricket action.”

With not many quality left-arm seamers in the circuit, Sran should be keen on impressing the selectors. Despite the injury, ‘A’ team coach Rahul Dravid also encouraged him to keep his spirits up and concentrate on the domestic season.

The lanky cricketer revealed, “Rahul sir was happy to see me bowl in the nets. He was also happy to see improvement in my fielding skills. He was disappointed on learning about my injury. He told me to not lose heart and get back home with a positive frame of mind. He told me that I have to be brave and patient with the recovery as lot of cricket is coming up.”

“His assurance and encouragement is keeping the spirit going in me. Once I am back on my feet and bowling, I would be aiming to do well in the domestic circuit for Punjab and make an impression.”

New Zealand are scheduled to play a warm-up match against Mumbai before the Test series begins from the 22^nd in Kanpur. India’s selection committee will meet on the 12^th to decide the Test squad.