The Indian cricket team for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, set to begin from October 16, has been officially revealed. A 15-member squad has been selected, along with four additional players who will serve as traveling reserves. This series is expected to be a critical one, with both teams aiming to improve their standings in the ICC Test rankings.
A significant point of interest in the announcement is the appointment of Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain. This decision has sparked discussions as the Indian team did not have a designated vice-captain during their recent two-match series against Bangladesh. Speculation is rife that the BCCI is grooming Bumrah to eventually take over as captain of the Test side once current skipper Rohit Sharma decides to step down.
The squad announcement also came with news of two notable absences. Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been excluded due to an ongoing recovery from an ankle injury. Shami, who underwent surgery earlier this year, has not played since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. His absence is a significant blow to India’s pace attack, leaving a gap that the team will need to fill during the New Zealand series.
Additionally, young pacer Yash Dayal, who was part of the Indian squad during the Bangladesh series, has also been ruled out due to an injury. With both Shami and Dayal sidelined, India’s fast-bowling contingent will be tested, though the team has a strong pool of pacers ready to step up in their absence.
The three-match Test series will kick off with the first test in Bengaluru, scheduled for October 16. This series holds immense importance for both India and New Zealand as they look to solidify their positions in the ICC Test rankings. The Indian team, especially with its new leadership structure, will be eager to make a strong start on home soil.
India’s batting line-up for the series appears formidable. Captain Rohit Sharma will lead the charge, supported by seasoned campaigners like Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. These players form the backbone of the Indian team, offering both experience and firepower.
In addition to the regulars, the selectors have introduced young talents such as Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel. Both players have been in outstanding form in domestic cricket and bring additional depth to India’s batting arsenal. Their inclusion adds fresh energy and could prove crucial in the series.
The Indian squad also boasts a strong spin and all-rounder department, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja included in the team. Both players bring a wealth of experience, especially in home conditions, where spin is expected to play a significant role. Ashwin and Jadeja not only add firepower to the spin attack but also offer depth to the lower order with their batting capabilities. Their all-round skills will be vital in balancing the team against a competitive New Zealand side.
As the first Test in Bengaluru approaches, cricket fans eagerly await to see how this new-look Indian team, with Jasprit Bumrah in a leadership role, performs against New Zealand. With a strong squad and key players in form, the series promises to be an exciting one. India’s ability to navigate the challenges posed by injuries, particularly in their pace attack, will be a key factor in determining their success.
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, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep
Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna
New Zealand Squad
Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell (for the first Test), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, William O’Rourke, Ejaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (second and third Tests), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson and Will Young.
Schedule
1st Test – 16 to 20 OCT – Bengaluru
2nd Test – 24 to 28 OCT – Pune
3rd Test – 1 to 5 NOV – Mumbai
Start time: 9:30am IST
