India has unveiled its squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 16 in Bengaluru, followed by matches in Mumbai and Pune, both teams vying for valuable points in the World Test Championship (WTC) race. This matchup holds significant importance, as India remains unbeaten at home following their successful series against Bangladesh, while New Zealand arrives after a disappointing away defeat to Sri Lanka. With India’s home dominance a crucial factor, New Zealand will need to devise effective strategies to challenge the formidable Indian team. Here’s a detailed preview of the squads for both teams ahead of this exciting series.
Jasprit Bumrah Named as Vice Captain and Shami’s Return Delayed.
India has announced their squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, with no changes to the main lineup aside from naming Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain. The selectors have also included four new players as traveling reserves: Mayank Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana, all selected as fast bowling reserves for the three Tests. Notably, Mohammed Shami, a prominent name expected to return for the New Zealand series after being declared fit, was not included in the squad. This decision raises questions about the team's bowling strategy as they prepare to face a competitive New Zealand side.
India’s Squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna
Kane Williamson Ruled Out, Tom Latham to lead
New Zealand will be without their top batsman for the first Test as he is still recovering from an injury sustained during the second Test against Sri Lanka. This absence means the Kiwis will miss their star player in what promises to be a challenging opener. Mark Chapman has been brought in as his replacement. Tom Latham will be the Captain after he took over from Tim Southee. Additionally, Michael Bracewell has been included in the first Test, with plans for Ish Sodhi to take his place for the final two matches of the series. While the New Zealand squad appears well-prepared and strategically sound, their true test will be how they perform against the formidable Indian side, which remains unbeaten at home.
New Zealand’s Squad
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson(2nd and 3rd test), Will Young
