New Zealand have named their squad for the two-match Test series against India, with former captain Kane Williamson left out and three players carrying injury concerns all included. The squad was announced on Wednesday, 11 November, ahead of a series that carries significant ICC World Test Championship points for both teams.
Williamson's absence is the headline. The veteran batter, New Zealand's most prolific Test run-scorer and the anchor of their batting for more than a decade, does not feature in the 14-player group, leaving a major hole at the top of the order for a home series against one of the strongest sides in world cricket.
Star players Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell are all included despite injury concerns, with some valuable World Test Championship points on the line for both teams. Opener Conway sustained a concussion in a collision with fast bowler Matt Henry in training during the one-day series against the tourists, while all-rounder Ravindra dislocated his shoulder while filming a diving catch during a promotional shoot in September and has not played in either the ODI or Twenty20 series against India. Blundell, the wicketkeeper, is recovering from a quadriceps injury but is expected to be fit before the series opener on 19 November.
Experienced skipper Tom Latham will captain the side across the two-match series. The full squad is: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), 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.
The two fixtures will be the first time the two nations have battled it out at Test level since New Zealand registered a stunning 3-0 triumph over India in the subcontinent in 2024, one of the biggest upsets in Test history. India will have a chance to seek revenge and boost their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final, while New Zealand will be defending a proud home record.
The first Test starts at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Wednesday, 19 November, with the second taking place at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch from 27 November. New Zealand's last Test series was in England in June, which they won 2-1, and they currently sit second in the World Test Championship standings behind first-placed South Africa.
India lie fourth in the standings with a points percentage of 51.52, behind South Africa, New Zealand and reigning runners-up Australia in third. With five Tests against Australia lined up next year, India need wins in two Tests in New Zealand to have a realistic chance of reaching the World Test Championship final, which makes this short series disproportionately important for the visitors.
The squad announcement comes during an ODI series that has already been shaped by the weather. The third one-day international between India and New Zealand in Hamilton was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain, with India retaining a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, and the final two ODIs are scheduled for Mount Maunganui on Friday and Sunday.
For New Zealand, the gamble is clear: back three injured players to be ready, absorb the loss of Williamson, and trust a home attack led by Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson to do the damage. For India, the equation is simpler still — win, and the road to the World Test Championship final stays open; lose, and it all but closes.
