Tom Latham will lead the Black Caps in the two-match World Test Championship series, with Tom Blundell, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra included despite injury concerns.
New Zealand have announced a strong 14-member squad for their upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series against India, with experienced batter Tom Latham appointed captain.
The two-match series will begin in Wellington on 19 November, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from 27 November to 2 December.
The Black Caps have included Tom Blundell, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra despite concerns over their fitness. Blundell is recovering from a quadriceps injury, Conway has concussion concerns, while Ravindra is managing a shoulder problem.
Fast bowler Jacob Duffy returns to the squad, while Ben Sears (ankle), Zak Foulkes (hip) and Will O’Rourke (managed workload) are notable absentees.
The series will mark the first Test meetings between the two sides since New Zealand stunned India with a historic 3-0 series victory on Indian soil in 2024.
Both teams are competing for places in the 2027 World Test Championship Final at The Oval. New Zealand currently occupy second position in the standings behind South Africa, while India are fourth, with Australia sitting third.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter described the series as an important start to the team’s home Test summer.
He said the squad remained largely consistent with the group that toured England earlier in the year, adding that valuable Championship points would be at stake.
Walter also highlighted the importance of delivering strong performances against a high-quality Indian side.
New Zealand will be aiming to reach the WTC Final for the first time since winning the inaugural championship in 2021.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (captain), 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.
Series schedule:
• First Test: 19–24 November, Wellington.
• Second Test: 27 November–2 December, Christchurch.