Bumrah returns as India names squad for Test series against New Zealand
India announces 16-member squad for two-match Test series against New Zealand in ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
The Indian cricket board has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against New Zealand, a media release from the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Saturday.
The squad includes Jasprit Bumrah, who is making a comeback after being withdrawn from the previous series against Sri Lanka.
Bumrah, with 29 wickets in this World Test Championship cycle, will bolster India's pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Anshul Kamboj, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
The squad also features Kuldeep Yadav, who has been included after being excluded from the previous Test series. Yadav will compete with spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for a place in the team.
Rishabh Pant has been named in the squad, pending fitness clearance, while Dhruv Jurel is also included as a wicket-keeping option.
India currently sits fifth in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings with a 51.52 points percentage. The series against New Zealand presents an opportunity for India to build momentum and improve its position ahead of the Ultimate Test at The Oval next June.
The first Test will be held in Wellington from November 19 to 23, and the second Test in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.