India's Test squad for 2026/27 New Zealand tour: Key takeaways
What's the story
The Indian men's senior selection committee has named the squad for the two-match Test series in New Zealand. While Shubman Gill continues to lead the side, Rishabh Pant has been picked despite suffering a side strain during the recent Irani Cup. However, the latter's participation is subject to fitness clearance. India will field a full-strength pace attack with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. Akash Deep is also back in the mix after shining in the Irani Cup.
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India's Test squad
India's Test squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper)*, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj.
Pacers
Star-studded pace attack
As mentioned, India will have a star-studded bowling attack.
While Bumrah will miss the ODI leg to focus on Tests, Siraj will be raring to go. Accompanying them would be Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep.
Akash was on fire on the England tour last year before having an extended injury layoff. Having fared well in domestic cricket lately, the Bengal pacer would be backed to display his resounding seam and swing.All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy also bolsters the pace department.
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What about spinners?
Despite being the pick of India's bowlers of late, Manav Suthar has been left out. India have gone with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as spin-bowling all-rounders, with Kuldeep Yadav as the specialist spinner.
Top order
The No. 3 battle
With successive tons in Sri Lanka, Devdutt Padikkal nearly cemented his spot as India's No. 3 batter in Test cricket. This is likely to be the norm in New Zealand.
In Sri Lanka, Padikkal had replaced Sai Sudharsan, who was out with a toe injury. It will be interesting to see if he gets his slot back.