The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, beginning November 19. Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah returns to the red-ball setup, while Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj have also earned recalls. However, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has once again been overlooked despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket.

Shubman Gill will continue leading the Indian Test team, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain. The squad features a mixture of experienced players and emerging talents as India prepare for an important overseas assignment in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

Jasprit Bumrah returns to India’s Test squad

Bumrah’s return is one of the biggest positives for India ahead of the New Zealand tour. The pace spearhead missed India’s previous World Test Championship assignment against Sri Lanka after being withdrawn from the squad.

The 32-year-old has been included exclusively for the Test series, with the team management continuing to monitor his workload. India will rely heavily on his experience and ability to exploit seam-friendly conditions in New Zealand.

Bumrah’s presence strengthens an attack that also includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj.

With India currently placed fifth in the World Test Championship standings, Bumrah’s return could prove crucial as the team looks to improve its position in the competition.

Mohammed Shami overlooked despite impressive Ranji Trophy performance

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the squad announcement is Shami’s continued absence.

The experienced fast bowler has not played Test cricket for India since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. Despite returning to competitive cricket and performing well in domestic matches, Shami has struggled to regain his place in the national red-ball setup.

The 36-year-old recently claimed five wickets for Bengal against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, strengthening his case for an international comeback.

Speaking about his fitness during the domestic season, Shami said:

“You can see my fitness. Write it. You are watching me. What will happen if I say it? I am on the ground. I am playing. I am playing wherever I can. My job is to just keep bowling.”

However, the selectors have preferred other pace-bowling options for the New Zealand series. The BCCI has not provided a specific explanation for his latest omission.

Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj earn Test recalls

Akash Deep is back after recovering from a stress fracture that kept him away from international cricket. The Bengal pacer recently featured in domestic red-ball matches, including the Irani Cup and Ranji Trophy, as he worked towards regaining match fitness.

Kamboj, meanwhile, has been rewarded for his performances in domestic cricket. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer made his Test debut against England in 2025 and has continued to impress with his disciplined bowling.

Their inclusion gives India additional pace options for conditions that traditionally favour fast bowlers.

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Rishabh Pant’s selection subject to fitness clearance

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been included in the squad, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance.

Pant recently suffered a left-side strain during the Irani Cup, raising concerns about his availability for the New Zealand Tests.

Dhruv Jurel has been selected as the second wicketkeeper and could take responsibility behind the stumps if Pant is unable to recover in time.

India have also retained KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal in the batting department, while Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav provide spin-bowling options.

India’s full Test squad for the 2026 New Zealand tour

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, Mohammed Siraj.

*subject to fitness clearance

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