Jasprit Bumrah Returns for New Zealand Test Series as India Announce Squads; Rishabh Pant’s Selection Subject to Fitness

Jasprit Bumrah has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, while Rishabh Pant’s participation remains subject to fitness clearance. Bumrah will miss the ODI series as India manage his workload ahead of major international assignments.

India have announced their squads for the upcoming ODI and two-match Test series against New Zealand, with several key players returning to the Test setup and changes made to the ODI leadership for the final two matches.

Bumrah, who has not played a Test match since November 2025, is set to return to lead India’s pace attack in the Test series. The first Test will begin in Wellington on November 19.

According to the team management’s long-term plans, Bumrah’s workload will be carefully managed to keep him fit for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home early next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place in Africa in October and November.

The fast bowler last featured for India at the Asian Games in Japan, where the team won the gold medal. He is currently training at home in Ahmedabad and is expected to travel to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for fitness drills before joining the team in New Zealand.

Rishabh Pant’s Fitness Remains a Concern

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also been included in the Test squad, but his availability will depend on fitness clearance. Pant suffered a side strain during the recent Irani Cup while captaining Rest of India. The injury occurred when he attempted a sweep shot in the first innings.

He was subsequently ruled out of the first two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A. However, Pant is expected to feature in the third unofficial Test in Lincoln from November 7 to 10 as he works towards regaining full fitness.

India captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj are also likely to participate in the third unofficial Test as part of their preparations for the upcoming series.

Prasidh Krishna’s ODI Participation Subject to Fitness

Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been included in India’s Test squad, while his participation in the ODI series remains subject to fitness clearance.

Reports indicate that his medical scans revealed a left hamstring strain rather than a tear. The pacer has spent the past two weeks focusing on strength and conditioning, recovery, massages and mobility exercises.

Krishna has been selected for only the first three ODIs, with his fitness set to determine his availability.

Meanwhile, Akash Deep has returned to the Test squad after impressing in the Irani Cup and the opening round of the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. Anshul Kamboj has also earned another opportunity in the Test side after making his debut against England in Manchester in July 2025.

Mohammed Siraj and seam-bowling allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will provide additional depth to India’s pace attack.

Sai Sudharsan Returns; No Place for Manav Suthar

B Sai Sudharsan has returned to the Test squad after missing the Sri Lanka series because of a toe injury. He is likely to serve as a backup batter after recently featuring in the four-day and one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry.

However, there was no place for left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, despite his impressive performance in Sri Lanka, where he claimed 16 wickets across four innings.

India have opted for Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as their spin-bowling allrounders, with Kuldeep Yadav completing the specialist spin options.

Shreyas Iyer to Lead India in Final Two ODIs

India will have two captains during the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Regular captain Shubman Gill will lead the side in the first three matches, while Shreyas Iyer will take charge for the fourth and fifth ODIs.

Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj will feature only in the first three matches before shifting their focus towards preparation for the Test series. Jadeja, who was part of India’s ODI squad against West Indies, has been left out of the ODI selections for the New Zealand tour.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra has earned his maiden India call-up after being included in the squad for the final two ODIs. Auqib Nabi, who made his international debut in the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati, has also been selected for the last two matches.

Arshdeep Singh returns to the ODI squad after being included only in the T20I side for the recent home series against West Indies. His last ODI appearance came against England at Lord’s in July.

With Bumrah returning to the Test setup, Pant working towards fitness, and several players managing their workloads across formats, India’s selections reflect a broader effort to balance immediate results with preparations for the upcoming international calendar.

India’s Test Squad for New Zealand Series

Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)*, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj.

Pant’s participation is subject to fitness clearance.

India Squad for the First Three ODIs

Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna* and Kuldeep Yadav.

Prasidh Krishna’s participation is subject to fitness clearance.

India Squad for the Fourth and Fifth ODIs

Shreyas Iyer (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.