New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially announced their 14-man Test squad to take on Team India in the upcoming 2-match IND vs NZ Test series. The highlight of the selection was the return of all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who missed both the white-ball series against India due to an injury he sustained while shooting a promotional advertisement ahead of the T20I series. The red-ball squad also sees the return of right-arm pacer Jacob Duffy.

Led by Tom Latham, who led the Blackcaps to a historic 3-0 whitewash against India in India in 2024, he will be tipped to repeat the heroics once again. Talking about the squad, the Blackcaps have largely maintained continuity from their red-ball series in England earlier this year, where they secured a 2-1 series victory.

IND vs NZ Test: Jacob Duffy Recalled Amid Pacers Injuries

With injuries to multiple pacers in the squad, the selectors have recalled the experienced seam bowler Jacob Duffy. With the likes of Ben Sears and Zak Foulkes already sidelined with ankle and hip issues, and William O’Rourke continuing his rehabilitation, Jacob’s call-up didn’t come as a surprise, as the right-arm seamer offers vital control and movement with the new ball.

Duffy joins the likes of Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Blair Tickner in a potent-looking pace bowling department of the Blackcaps. Highlighting the importance of team consistency and the summer ahead, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter stated:

“This series marks the start of an exciting summer of Test cricket for the BLACKCAPS. The squad is largely consistent with the team that competed in England earlier this year, so it’ll be great to be back together to try and recreate some of that success on home soil.”

He further added,

“There are ten Tests scheduled between now and March, so there’s no shortage of action for red-ball fans. Valuable Championship points are on the line, of course, but our focus remains on playing our best cricket against a high-quality team like India.”

Rachin Ravindra Returns After Missing the T20I and ODI leg

All-rounder Rachin Ravindra has also returned to the Test squad after recovering from a shoulder dislocation sustained during a promotional shoot ahead of the T20I series in September. His presence in the middle order will be vital for the team and will strengthen their batting core.

Wicket-keeper Tom Blundell (quadricep recovery) and opener Devon Conway (concussion recovery) have also made it back to the squad. The return of this batting trio has given assurance and confidence to skipper Tom Latham, who now has a settled batting core at his disposal for this all-important Test series.

Take a look at the complete 14-man squad for the IND vs NZ Test series.

New Zealand Test Squad: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young

IND vs NZ Test: World Test Championship Points on the Line

The two-match IND vs NZ Test series carries immense weight in the World Test Championship standings, where New Zealand currently holds a top position following a strong start to their cycle. Following the first Test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, the series moves to Hagley Oval in Christchurch for the second Test starting November 27.