New Zealand Names Squad for India Test Series

Rachin Ravindra has been included in New Zealand’s 14-player squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against India, which begins on November 19. Ravindra hasn’t played competitive cricket since August when he represented Welsh Fire in The Hundred tournament.

He sustained a right shoulder injury during a promotional video shoot with broadcaster Sky in September, causing him to miss both the T20I and ongoing ODI series against India. Devon Conway, who suffered a concussion after colliding with Matt Henry during training, has also been brought back into the squad after missing the ODI series.

Tom Blundell aims for a return as well after being sidelined by a quadriceps injury. With 48 Test appearances for New Zealand, he could reach his 50th cap if he plays in both matches. Jacob Duffy, a fast bowler who missed New Zealand’s tour of England earlier this year, has been recalled, adding another pace option to the squad.

Left out due to fitness and rehabilitation programs are Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes, and Will O’Rourke. The first Test will be held at Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19-23, with the second match scheduled at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27-December 2.

This series marks New Zealand’s first Test matches against India since their historic 3-0 victory on Indian soil in 2024. Both teams are competing for points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Currently, New Zealand leads the standings with a PCT of 72.22, while India is fourth with a PCT of 51.52.

New Zealand coach Rob Walter expressed excitement about an upcoming “exciting summer of Test cricket.” The team will face Australia in a four-match series in Australia after this India tour. Walter noted that the squad remains largely consistent from their England tour and looks forward to replicating past success on home soil.

The New Zealand Test squad for the series includes: Tom Latham (Captain), Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, and Will Young.