New Zealand Test Squad for India Series 2026: Full 14-Member Team, Captain and Match Schedul

New Zealand have officially announced their 14-member Test squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against India in November 2026. Experienced captain Tom Latham will lead the Black Caps, while star players Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell have also been included despite fitness concerns.

The upcoming series is an important contest for both teams in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. Cricket fans are particularly excited to see how New Zealand perform on home soil against India’s strong Test team.

New Zealand Test Squad for India Series 2026

New Zealand’s 14-member squad includes experienced batters, all-rounders, wicketkeepers and fast bowlers.

Full New Zealand squad:

1. Tom Latham (Captain)

2. Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper)

3. Devon Conway

4. Jacob Duffy

5. Matt Henry

6. Kyle Jamieson

7. Daryl Mitchell

8. Henry Nicholls

9. Glenn Phillips

10. Rachin Ravindra

11. Mitchell Santner

12. Nathan Smith

13. Blair Tickner

14. Will Young

Head coach Rob Walter will guide the team during this important home series.

Tom Latham to Lead New Zealand

Tom Latham will captain New Zealand in the two-match Test series against India. He is an experienced international cricketer who has played an important role in New Zealand’s Test cricket success.

His leadership and batting experience will be important against India’s bowling attack. Playing at home will also give Latham an opportunity to lead his team towards another important Test series victory.

Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway Return

One of the biggest talking points of the squad announcement is the inclusion of Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell.

• Rachin Ravindra: The talented all-rounder is recovering from a shoulder injury.

• Devon Conway: The experienced batter is recovering from a concussion.

• Tom Blundell: The wicketkeeper-batter is managing a quadriceps injury.

All three players have been included, but their availability for the opening Test depends on their fitnes

New Zealand’s Batting Line-up

New Zealand have selected several experienced batters who can challenge India’s bowling attack.

Daryl Mitchell is one of the most important players in the squad. His ability to play long innings and score runs under pressure makes him a valuable member of the team.

Henry Nicholls and Will Young will also have important responsibilities in the batting department. Glenn Phillips brings additional flexibility with his aggressive batting and all-round abilities.

If Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra recover in time, New Zealand could have a very competitive batting line-up.

New Zealand Bowling Attack

New Zealand have selected a strong bowling group for the India series.

Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson are experienced fast bowlers who can make an impact in home conditions. Jacob Duffy is another important addition to the squad.

Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner provide further pace-bowling options.

Mitchell Santner will be an important spin-bowling option, while Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra can also provide additional bowling support.

The bowling attack will be expected to challenge India’s top-order batters throughout the series.

India vs New Zealand Test Series 2026 Schedule

The two-match Test series will begin on 19 November 2026. Wellington will host the opening match, followed by the second Test in Christchurch.

Both venues are expected to provide exciting conditions for Test cricket.

Important Series for the World Test Championship

The upcoming India vs New Zealand Test series is important because both teams are competing in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

New Zealand will look to collect valuable championship points and strengthen their position in the standings. India will also be determined to perform well and improve their chances of reaching the final.

The competition between these two teams has become particularly interesting after New Zealand’s historic 3-0 Test series victory in India in 2024.

India will now have an opportunity to respond in New Zealand, while the home team will try to continue its strong Test cricket performances.

Players to Watch in the India vs New Zealand Test Series

Several players could become major attractions during the upcoming series.

• Tom Latham: His captaincy and batting will be important for New Zealand.

• Rachin Ravindra: His batting and all-round abilities make him a key player.

• Daryl Mitchell: An experienced batter who can build important partnerships.

• Matt Henry: A major fast-bowling option for the home team.

• Kyle Jamieson: His height and bowling ability could make him a challenging opponent.

• Mitchell Santner: His spin bowling and all-round contribution will be valuable.

The fitness of the returning players will also be an important factor before the first Test begins.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s announcement of a 14-member Test squad for the India series has created excitement among cricket fans. Tom Latham will lead the Black Caps, while Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell are among the major names included in the squad despite their injury concerns.

With experienced players such as Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner, New Zealand have a competitive team for the upcoming home series.

The first Test will begin in Wellington on 19 November, followed by the second Test in Christchurch on 27 November. Both teams will be looking to collect valuable World Test Championship points.

Cricket supporters can expect an exciting contest between India and New Zealand in this important Test series.