Ishan Kishan back in India's Test plans for New Zealand: Report

Ishan Kishan Test comeback is back on the table and this time, the BCCI selectors are reportedly making concrete plans to keep him ready for red-ball cricket ahead of the India vs New Zealand Test series 2026.

The biggest question now is, is Ishan Kishan playing New Zealand Tests? Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the latest reports suggesting that selectors are seriously considering his name. His recent performances, including 409 runs in the Duleep Trophy 2026 and a historic double hundred, have strengthened his case for an India Test comeback. The final decision could come with the upcoming India Test squad announcement New Zealand.

BCCI selection committee initiates steps to keep Ishan Kishan Test-ready: Report

The BCCI selectors Ishan Kishan plans have reportedly started with the aim of keeping the wicketkeeper-batter prepared for the longest format. According to the Times of India report, Ishan Kishan was considered for India A's upcoming series against New Zealand A. This could have given him valuable red-ball preparation ahead of the Ishan Kishan New Zealand Test series 2026.

However, the India A series overlaps with India's white-ball matches against New Zealand. Ishan Kishan is expected to be involved in the ODIs and T20Is, which could prevent him from playing the unofficial Tests. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel and Kumar Kushagra are expected to be the main wicketkeeping options for India A against New Zealand A.

The report also suggests that the selectors could use future assignments to prepare Ishan for a possible red-ball return. This has increased interest around the Ishan Kishan India Test squad 2026 possibility. While his selection is not guaranteed, the wicketkeeper-batter BCCI plans indicate that he could be considered when the selectors finalise the India Test squad New Zealand 2026.

Ishan Kishan's India redemption: From controversial absence to red-ball comeback in a nutshell

Ishan Kishan's red-ball cricket has been impressive. He made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2023 and played two matches. Across three Test innings, he scored 78 runs, including a half-century. After moving out of India's red-ball setup, Kishan worked his way back through strong domestic performances. His return to the Indian team in 2026 has now made the Ishan Kishan Test comeback a major talking point.

The Ishan Kishan Duleep Trophy 2026 campaign further strengthened his case. He scored 409 runs at an average of 102.25. Ishan Kishan double hundred in the final also showed his ability to play long innings in red-ball cricket and has increased his chances of making the India Test squad 2026.

The latest update is that the Selection Committee meeting to pick the Team India Men's T20I squad and India A squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand took place at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. With Dhruv Jurel and Kumar Kushagra also in contention, the wicketkeeper battle will be interesting.

The final India Test squad announcement for New Zealand will be the moment of truth for Ishan Kishan. After his remarkable comeback story — from Central Contract snub to Duleep Trophy double hundred — a Test return would complete one of Indian cricket's most remarkable redemption arcs.