IND vs NZ: India’s strongest squad for Test series against New Zealand - Predicted
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The IND vs NZ Test series will begin on November 19.
The Indian Cricket Team will start their tour of New Zealand on October 22. The tour will start with a five-match T20I series, followed by five ODIs from November 4 to November 15. Later, the two teams will face each other in a two-match series starting on November 19, which could be the toughest part of the tour for both sides.
The two matches are also a crucial part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle; thus, both sides will be keen on securing victories. The last time the India and New Zealand faced each other in Tests was during New Zealand’s 2024 tour of India. The Black Caps whitewashed the hosts 3-0 at the time; however, the India will look to get their revenge this time.
The last Test victory India secured over New Zealand came in December 2021, when they played New Zealand at Wankhede. They won the match by a mammoth margin of 372 runs.
However, the last time the Men in Blue won a game or a series in New Zealand was way back during their 2008-09 tour. India won the three-match series 1-0. Harbhajan Singh was the highest wicket taker with 16, while Gautam Gambhir scored the most runs, 445, with an average of 89.
India’s last Test series came against Asian rivals Sri Lanka in August, which they eventually won 1-0. Meanwhile, New Zealand played their last test series against England and won 2-1. Both sides will carry a winning momentum from their last series triumph in the longest format of cricket; thus, it is expected to be a tough contest for both teams.
India’s predicted squad for Test series against New Zealand
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A few confirmed names on the team would most likely be KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and skipper Shubman Gill. Apart from these, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are also likely to secure a spot in the test squad.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made a comeback to the Indian team in T20Is; however, he is unlikely to play Test cricket on short notice. Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal are also expected to feature in the squad.
Risabh Pant sustained an injury during the Irani Cup; thus, his involvement in the series is currently uncertain. If he fails to recover in time, he could be replaced by the likes of Kumar Kushagra or Ishan Kishan, but he currently remains the top choice.
Prasidh Krishna is expected to miss the series due to injury, and in his place, Akash Deep might be picked in the squad. He recently made his comeback after long injury lay off, and made his presence felt in domestic circuit. Mohammed Shami‘s name has been doing rounds as well but it is unlikely that he get picked.
Bumrah will lead the pace-attack, which is expected to feature Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar along with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Manav Suthar, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be spinners in side.
Probable India squad for New Zealand Tests
Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant/ Ishan Kishan (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Gurnoor Brar, Nitish Kumar Reddy
When does the Test series between India and New Zealand begin?
November 19.
Who will be India’s captain and vice-captain in the series?
Shubman Gill will be the captain of the side while KL Rahul will play as his deputy.
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