Rachin Ravindra is poised for a return to the New Zealand squad ahead of their two-match Test series against India, starting 19th November in Wellington. Previously sidelined due to a dislocated right shoulder from an unfortunate incident during a promotion in September, Ravindra missed out on the preceding five-match T20I and the ongoing one-day international series against India.
Alongside Ravindra, Devon Conway is recovering from a concussion he sustained during a training session in Auckland before the ODI series, while wicketkeeper Tom Blundell is on the mend from a quadriceps injury. An NZC release noted that these players “are working through their respective injuries and aiming to be available for the first Test.” Notably, if Blundell participates in both Tests, he will reach the milestone of 50 Test appearances.
The lineup mirrors the squad that emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in England earlier this year. Absent from this squad are the accomplished batsman Kane Williamson, retired during that England tour, and fast bowlers Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Zak Foulkes, each missing due to either workload management for an upcoming Australian tour or injuries. Jacob Duffy, who had missed the England tour for paternity leave, re-joins the team.
A key addition to the coaching staff is BJ Watling, replacing Luke Ronchi as the batting coach. He will integrate with the squad just days before the first Test kicks off.
The series holds significant weight for both New Zealand and India in their journey towards the World Test Championship (WTC) final slated for June 2027. New Zealand currently leads the WTC standings, though South Africa and Australia trail closely. India, placed fourth, faces a challenging path, requiring victories in most of their remaining seven Tests to remain in contention.
Full New Zealand squad for India Tests: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), 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.
