Key takeaways from India's squad for New Zealand Test series

India announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against New Zealand. 

Marked by a much-awaited comeback, here are the key takeaways from the group that will take on New Zealand in a crucial two-match Test series.

Bumrah return

Jasprit Bumrah is back in India's Test squad after being withdrawn from their previous WTC assignment against Sri Lanka.

Bumrah, who has a phenomenal 19.79 average with the ball in 52 Tests, provides a boost to India's pace attack ahead of a series in which pace and bounce could play a significant role, both in Wellington and Christchurch.

The right-arm quick has the third-most wickets for India in this WTC cycle (29) behind Mohammed Siraj (43) and Ravindra Jadeja (33).

Kuldeep back in Test contention

Kuldeep Yadav has been included in the squad after having been excluded from India's lineup for their previous Test in this WTC cycle against Sri Lanka.

Despite picking up just a single wicket in the two-match series opener, Kuldeep’s record of 80 scalps from 19 Tests is a testament of his ability in the longest format.

The left-arm wrist-spinner will compete for a place alongside spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

Pant's inclusion subject to fitness

Rishabh Pant has been named in the squad despite missing the India A tour of New Zealand due to an injury sustained during the Irani Trophy. 

His availability for the series remains subject to fitness clearance, with Dhruv Jurel also included as a wicket-keeping option.

Pace depth in focus

Alongside Bumrah, India have named Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Anshul Kamboj and Nitish Kumar Reddy in their pace-bowling group. 

The options provide the team with flexibility when selecting their attack for the traditionally pace and seam-friendly New Zealand conditions.

All-round options strengthen squad balance

Jadeja and Sundar bring spin-bowling and batting depth, while Nitish Kumar Reddy offers another seam-bowling all-round option. 

India's final combination will depend on conditions and the balance required for the conditions in Wellington and Christchurch.

India look to strengthen WTC position

India sit fifth in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings with a 51.52 points percentage following their last outing against Sri Lanka, where they won the first Test and drew the second.

The upcoming series against New Zealand presents an opportunity for the two-time finalists to build momentum and improve their position in the standings ahead of the Ultimate Test at The Oval next June.

India squad: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (WK)*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

*Pant's selection is subject to fitness clearance.

Schedule:

1st Test - November 19 to 23, Wellington

2nd Test - November 27 to December 1, Christchurch