Nitish featured in a practice game on Friday, where he is understood to have bowled full tilt without any discomfort. The BCCI medical panel had handled Nitish with caution: his rehab took a fortnight longer than the three weeks originally forecast. Nitish remains central to the India team management's Test plans, with a tour of England to follow soon after the IPL season ends in late May.

SRH retained five players ahead of the mega auction late last year, and Nitih was one of them. He had a breakout IPL 2024, where he made 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.92. His bowling wasn't as impressive, as he picked up three wickets and conceded runs at 11.62.

After the tour, Nitish had expressed keenness to work with Bharat Arun, the former India bowling coach, in Chennai. That move, however, didn't materialise because of the side strain.