India announce squad for Test series against New Zealand

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, set to begin on October 17 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The selection committee has opted to retain the same squad that recently triumphed in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, where India emerged victorious with a clean 2-0 sweep. A significant highlight of the squad announcement is the appointment of speedster Jasprit Bumrah as the vice-captain of the Test team, reflecting his stellar performances in the longest format of the game over the years.

Bumrah, who recently reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings, has been in phenomenal form since his return to the national team in August 2023 following back surgery. He was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the series against Bangladesh, claiming 11 wickets at an impressive average of 12.81. Overall, he has taken 42 wickets in eight Tests since his comeback, with best figures of 6/45, solidifying his status as a key player for India.

With a total of 170 wickets in 38 Tests at an average of 20.18, including ten five-wicket hauls, Bumrah brings a wealth of experience to the squad. He has previously captained India in the rescheduled fifth Test against England in July 2022 at Edgbaston. As vice-captain, Bumrah is expected to take on a more proactive role in shaping the team's strategies on the field. However, considering his heavy workload, he may be rested for at least one Test in the series against New Zealand to ensure he remains fit for the upcoming five-match Test tour to Australia.

The rest of the squad remains unchanged, with fast bowler Mohammed Shami continuing his recovery from an ankle injury. Shami is anticipated to feature in several matches during the Ranji Trophy before making his return to the national side. The travelling reserves include Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna. Notably, left-arm seamer Yash Dayal, who received his maiden India call-up for the Bangladesh Tests, has been omitted from the squad as the Ranji Trophy season commences.

The Indian team may provide opportunities to players who did not participate in the Bangladesh series, including Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, in a bid to keep them match-ready for the crucial Australia series following the Tests against New Zealand.

India’s squad for the three Tests against New Zealand: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep

Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna