KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, forming India’s preferred Test opening duo, are gearing up for the upcoming two-Test series in New Zealand. They’ll participate in three red-ball matches for India A, with the tour commencing on 26th October in Lincoln.
Dhruv Jurel has been appointed as captain, with Rishabh Pant included depending on his fitness status. Pant, fresh from leading Rest of India to an Irani Cup victory against Jammu & Kashmir, has undisclosed injury concerns. The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed that Pant would miss the Ranji Trophy opener starting on 11th October. This round will see participation from several regulars, including Rahul and Washington Sundar, the latter having skipped the T20 series against West Indies for more red-ball practice.
In the squad, Devdutt Padikkal continues as India’s No. 3 after his stint in Sri Lanka, joined by B Sai Sudharsan, fit again following a toe injury. Ravichandran Smaran receives his first India A call-up after notable performances in the Irani Cup. As Karnataka’s captain in Padikkal’s absence, Smaran impressed with scores of 68 and 135, propelling his team to victory.
Fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, both significant contributors in the Irani Cup triumph, are also selected. Akash, returning from injury, claimed six wickets, while Mukesh, who last played a Test in 2024, secured six dismissals in the match’s final innings. Further pace options include Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, and Auqib Nabi, the latter being the leading wicket-taker in the previous Ranji season with 60 wickets. Nabi also made his ODI debut against West Indies last week.
Washington Sundar, alongside Manav Suthar, forms the spin attack. Suthar, noteworthy for securing 14 wickets across four matches with Warwickshire, was instrumental in India’s Test series win in Sri Lanka. Additionally, Yash Rathod stands as a promising reserve batter following his recent 80-run innings against Australia A.
The team is scheduled to leave for New Zealand on 16th October. The matches are booked for 26th October, 29th October, and 10th November, the latter two to be held in Christchurch and Lincoln respectively. India’s Test assignments, integral to the World Test Championship cycle, are planned from 19th November to 1st December in Wellington and Christchurch. This marks India’s return to New Zealand for Test cricket since early 2020.
India A Squad for New Zealand Tour:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (captain, wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, Mukesh Choudhary, Sai Sudharsan, Yash Rathod, Mukesh Kumar.
