New Zealand have named a 14-man squad for the two Test matches against India starting on home soil with captain Tom Latham leading the Black Caps. Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell are all included in spite of ongoing fitness issues.
New Zealand Cricket released the squad on 11 November 2026 for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures. The series begins in Wellington from 19 November followed by the second Test in Christchurch starting from 27 November.
Tom Latham to Lead New Zealand
Experienced batter Tom Latham will captain the Kiwis against India. The squad largely consists of the same core that played Test cricket against England recently.
The 14-man squad is made up of Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and Will Young.
Jacob Duffy is one of the notable inclusions. The fast bowler returns to Test squad after being absent from the previous England tour.
Conway, Ravindra and Blundell Included Despite Injuries
The biggest talking point of the selection is that three players are currently working towards full fitness.
Conway suffered a concussion after colliding with fast bowler Matt Henry during a training session ahead of the ODI series against India. He hopes to be fit for the opening Test.
Rachin Ravindra is also working on his recovery after dislocating his shoulder in a promotional shoot in September. The injury kept him out of the white-ball matches against India currently underway.
Meanwhile wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell is nursing a quadricep injury. His availability will be key for New Zealand because of his experience in the longest format.
All three players have been selected but they will only play if they are fit for the opening game.
Test cricket returns! 🇳🇿 Our Test squad for the Hero Vida Test Series, Powered by Ai+ Nova Smartphone, starting at the Cello Basin Reserve on November 19. https://t.co/begExEGl7m
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 10, 2026
Jacob Duffy Returns as Some Players Miss Out
Jacob Duffy has earned his place in the squad while fast bowlers Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke and all-rounder Zak Foulkes have been omitted from selection due to injury issues and rehabilitation.
Another major absentee is Kane Williamson who retired from international cricket after New Zealand’s Test series against England earlier this year.
Rob Walter will coach the team and will build on New Zealand’s recent Test cricket form.
New Zealand vs India: Test Series Schedule
The two-Test series will be crucial for both teams in the World Test Championship cycle.
The first Test will be played at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19 to 23, while the second Test is scheduled for Hagley Oval in Christchurch (November 27 – December 2).
New Zealand will want to take advantage of home conditions and their experienced bowling attack to test India. India will look to put in a strong performance in what is sure to be a competitive red-ball series.
The two matches will also bring renewed attention to the rivalry between the two teams after New Zealand’s historic 3-0 Test series win in India in 2024.
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