Rishabh Pant doubtful as India announce 16-member Test squad vs New Zealand

The premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah and the wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant, have been picked in India’s 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in New Zealand, as the latter’s participation in the two games is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.  

Bumrah won’t be part of both the T20I and ODI series of the blue brigade but will return to lead the attack in the red-ball series, which begins with the first clash at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19. He hasn’t played a Test match since November 2025.

India’s full 16-member Test squad vs New Zealand

Pant suffered a side strain during the recent Irani Cup 2026 game while he was leading the Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir. He played a sweep shot in the first innings and was ruled out of the two unofficial Tests against the New Zealand A side. He, however, is anticipated to be part of the third game in Lincoln from November 07.  

Their captain, Shubman Gill, their opener KL Rahul, and pacer Anshul Kamboj are likely to play the third unofficial Test match. Prasidh Krishna, whose ODI participation is under clouds, has been included in the Test squad.

See Also: Shubman Gill set to return for Punjab in Ranji Trophy 2nd round 2026-27 vs Chhattisgarh: Report

Akash Deep is also back in the side after proving his form and fitness in the Irani Cup, having recently played in the first round of the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Reddy are the other seam-bowling options.

Meanwhile, Manav Suthar, despite claiming 16 wickets in the four innings, was avoided as they went with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav.

India’s Test squad vs New Zealand-

Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper) *, Dhruv Jurel (wk.), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

IND vs NZ Test series: Dates, venues and live streaming details in India

The first unofficial Test of the A series for India will be played from October 24 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, while the same venue will host the third game of the series on November 07. The second encounter will be at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 31.

The Hagley Oval will also host the second Test match on November 27 after the opening game takes place at the Basin Reserve on November 19. This series will be vital, especially for India, keeping in mind the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025/27 qualification.

See Also: New Zealand reveal split squads for five-match ODI series against India- Know all details

The series will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network, while the games will also be streamed on SonyLIV.