BREAKING: India Test Squad for IND vs NZ series announced; Akash Deep returns
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Akash Deep returned to India’s Test Squad after a long injury lay off.
India have announced their squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand, which will take place in November 2026. The series will be an important part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle as India look to collect valuable points.
The first Test will be played in Wellington from November 19, while the second match is scheduled to begin in Christchurch on November 27. Playing in New Zealand will be a challenge for Indian batters and bowlers, especially in conditions that can help fast bowlers.
Shubman Gill will lead the side, while KL Rahul has been named vice-captain. The squad also includes several experienced players and young names who will look to make an impact during the tour.
Akash Deep returns; Ishan Kishan misses out of India’s Test squad
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Akash Deep has returned to India’s Test squad after recovering from his injury. The fast bowler’s return gives India another option in the pace attack ahead of the New Zealand tour.
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have also been included in the squad. Anshul Kamboj has earned a place in the team, while Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been named for the two-match series. Manav Suthar, who has impressed in his short-career missed out as well.
Ishan Kishan has not been included in India’s squad for the New Zealand Test series despite his strong performances in domestic cricket.
The wicketkeeper-batter scored 270 and 80 for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final. He finished the tournament with 409 runs from three matches at an average of more than 100 and was named Player of the Match in the final.
Kishan has played only two Tests for the team, with his last appearance coming in 2023. Despite his recent red-ball form, the selectors have opted for Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel as the wicketkeeping options for the New Zealand series.
India squad for New Zealand Test series
Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Who could captain India in the New Zealand Test series?
Shubman Gill will captain team in the two-Test series against New Zealand, while KL Rahul has been named vice-captain.
When will the India vs New Zealand Test series start?
The Test series will begin on November 19, 2026, with the first Test scheduled in Wellington.
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