Key points
- New Zealand named a 14-member squad for the two-Test series against India, with Tom Latham as captain.
- Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell were included despite ongoing recovery from shoulder, concussion and quadricep injuries respectively.
- New Zealand Cricket said the three players are working through their injuries and aiming to be available for the first Test.
- Jacob Duffy returns to the Test squad; Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes and Will O'Rourke are absent while managing injuries or return-to-play programmes.
- The first Test is scheduled for November 19-23 at Basin Reserve in Wellington; the second is scheduled for November 27-December 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
- New Zealand last played India in Tests in 2024, when the Black Caps won a historic 3-0 series in India.
New Zealand have named a 14-member squad for their two-Test series against India, with captain Tom Latham set to lead a near full-strength group that includes Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell despite fitness concerns. The trio are recovering from separate injuries and are working towards being available for the opening Test, which begins in Wellington on November 19.
The squad was announced by New Zealand Cricket on November 11. Jacob Duffy returns to the Test group, while Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes and Will O'Rourke are among the notable players unavailable as they continue injury rehabilitation or return-to-play programmes.
Injured trio included as they work towards fitness
Ravindra has been named despite a shoulder injury that has kept him out of New Zealand's white-ball matches against India. He dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional shoot in September while attempting a diving catch. The injury ruled him out of the T20I and ODI legs of the tour.
Conway is also working back from a concussion sustained during a training session before the ODI series. He collided with fast bowler Matt Henry. Wicketkeeper-batter Blundell is recovering from a quadricep injury and has had limited match time in recent months.
New Zealand Cricket said all three are working through their respective injuries and aiming to be available for the first Test. Their inclusion in the squad does not by itself confirm their fitness or selection for the playing XI; their progress will be assessed closer to the match.
Latham to lead, Duffy returns to the Test group
The 14-player squad is led by Latham and includes Blundell, Conway, Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and Will Young.
Duffy's return adds another pace option to the group. He missed New Zealand's tour of England earlier in the year for the birth of his first child. The squad otherwise retains much of the group that competed in the three-Test series in England, which New Zealand won 2-1.
Sears, Foulkes and O'Rourke are not included as they manage their respective injuries and rehabilitation programmes. Their absence gives Duffy an opportunity to return to the Test set-up as the Black Caps prepare for a home series against India.
Two Tests scheduled in Wellington and Christchurch
The opening Test will be played at Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19 to 23. The second match is scheduled at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 2. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, with both teams seeking valuable points.
New Zealand are second in the current World Test Championship standings, while India are fourth, according to the ICC's announcement. The two sides last met in Test cricket in 2024, when New Zealand produced a historic 3-0 series victory in India. It was the first time a visiting team had swept India in a home Test series of three or more matches.
Head coach Rob Walter said the series marked the start of an exciting summer of Test cricket for the Black Caps. He noted that the squad was largely consistent with the team that played in England and said the group was looking forward to playing in front of home crowds. Walter also acknowledged the importance of World Test Championship points while stressing the team's focus on its cricket.
Blundell closing in on a personal milestone
Blundell is currently on 48 Test appearances for New Zealand. New Zealand Cricket noted that he is in line to play his 50th Test during the series, with the possibility depending on his recovery and selection.
The series will also mark the start of a new phase in New Zealand's coaching staff. Former wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling is set to begin his tenure as batting coach on November 16, taking over from Luke Ronchi. Watling joins a group that will be looking to build on the team's recent Test success in England.
India series offers an early test of New Zealand's home summer
The two Tests against India begin a busy red-ball period for New Zealand, with ten Tests scheduled between now and March. The results will have implications for the World Test Championship table as the cycle approaches its later stages.
For New Zealand, the immediate focus will be on getting Ravindra, Conway and Blundell fit in time for the opening match. Their availability would strengthen the batting and wicketkeeping options, while the return of Duffy adds depth to the pace attack. The final playing combination will become clearer as the team approaches the Wellington Test.
Frequently asked questions
Who will captain New Zealand in the 2026 Test series against India?
Tom Latham will captain New Zealand in the two-Test series. The 14-member squad includes Tom Blundell, 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.
Why have New Zealand selected Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell despite injuries?
The three players remain in recovery but have been included because the team expects they could be available for the opening Test. Ravindra is recovering from a shoulder injury, Conway from concussion and Blundell from a quadricep problem. New Zealand Cricket says they are working towards fitness.
When and where will the India-New Zealand Tests be played?
The first Test is scheduled for November 19-23 at Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second Test will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 2. The two-match series forms part of the World Test Championship cycle.
Which players are missing from New Zealand's squad for the India Tests?
Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes and Will O'Rourke are notable absentees from the squad that toured England. New Zealand Cricket says they are unavailable while managing injuries or return-to-play programmes. Jacob Duffy returns to the Test group.
What happened the last time New Zealand played a Test series against India?
New Zealand defeated India 3-0 in a three-Test series on Indian soil in 2024. It was a landmark result for the Black Caps and the first time a visiting team had swept India in a home Test series of three or more matches.