Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway Named in New Zealand Squad for India Test Series
New Zealand have announced a strong 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against India, with star players Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell included despite their ongoing injury concerns.
Experienced left-handed batter Tom Latham will captain the Black Caps as they prepare to host India in an important ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series. The opening Test will begin on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, followed by the second Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27.
The selection of Ravindra, Conway and Blundell is a major boost for New Zealand. However, all three players are currently recovering from injuries and will need to prove their fitness before the opening match.
Rachin Ravindra Returns to New Zealand Test Squad
Rachin Ravindra has been included in New Zealand’s squad despite recovering from a shoulder injury.
The all-rounder suffered a shoulder dislocation during a promotional photoshoot in Auckland in September. The injury kept him away from the ongoing white-ball matches against India.
Ravindra’s inclusion is an important development for New Zealand because of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. He was one of the standout performers when New Zealand defeated India 3-0 in the 2024 Test series.
His batting performances, particularly in challenging conditions, make him an important player for the upcoming home series.
New Zealand will be hoping that Ravindra recovers in time to strengthen their batting and spin-bowling options.
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Devon Conway Included Despite Concussion Concerns
Experienced opening batter Devon Conway has also been named in the 14-member squad.
Conway suffered a concussion following a collision with fast bowler Matt Henry during a training session ahead of the ongoing ODI series against India.
His availability for the opening Test will depend on his recovery and fitness assessment.
Conway’s experience at the top of the batting order could be valuable for New Zealand, particularly against India’s quality bowling attack. His ability to build partnerships and play long innings makes him an important part of the team’s plans.
Tom Blundell Also Included in the Squad
Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell is the third major player included despite an injury concern.
Blundell is recovering from a quadriceps injury and has had limited match practice in recent months.
The wicketkeeper has played 48 Test matches for New Zealand and could reach the milestone of 50 Test appearances during the upcoming series.
His experience behind the stumps and contributions with the bat make him an important member of the Black Caps squad.
New Zealand’s management will closely monitor the fitness of all three players before finalising the playing XI.
Jacob Duffy Returns as New Zealand Make Squad Changes
Fast bowler Jacob Duffy has been added to the squad as New Zealand prepare for the two-Test contest.
However, Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes and Will O’Rourke are notable absentees due to injury or managed return-to-play programmes.
The remaining squad largely maintains the core group that toured England earlier in 2026.
Head coach Rob Walter will be looking to continue the team’s strong performances in Test cricket after their successful series against England, which New Zealand won 2-1.
New Zealand vs India Test Series 2026: Full Schedule
The two-match Test series will be an important contest for both teams in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | November 19–23, 2026 | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| 2nd Test | November 27–December 2, 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
New Zealand will enter the series with confidence after their historic 3-0 Test series victory over India on Indian soil in 2024.
India, meanwhile, will be looking to deliver a stronger performance and challenge the hosts in their home conditions.
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New Zealand Squad for India Test Series 2026
New Zealand have selected the following 14 players for the upcoming series:
- Tom Latham (Captain)
- Tom Blundell
- Devon Conway
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Henry Nicholls
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner
- Nathan Smith
- Blair Tickner
- Will Young
Rob Walter Looks Forward to the India Test Series
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed his excitement about the upcoming home Test series.
Walter believes the squad has a strong foundation, with most players coming from the group that performed well during the England tour earlier this year.
He also highlighted the importance of playing quality cricket against India, with valuable World Test Championship points available.
The New Zealand coaching staff will be hoping that the injured players recover in time to give the team its strongest possible combination.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell makes New Zealand’s squad stronger ahead of the upcoming Test series against India. However, their participation will depend on their recovery from injuries.
With Tom Latham leading the side and experienced players such as Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson in the squad, New Zealand will be confident of competing strongly at home.
India will face a challenging assignment as they look to respond to their previous 3-0 series defeat. Cricket fans can follow more cricket updates, match analysis and team news on Champ11Official.com.