New Zealand name 14-player squad for two-Test series against India with Conway, Ravindra and Blundell awaiting fitness checks

On November 11, 2026 New Zealand named a 14-member squad to play a two-Test series against India that begins in Wellington, with Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell all subject to pre-match fitness assessments.

The selection largely preserves the core of the side that toured England earlier this year, where New Zealand recorded a 2-1 series victory that handed the hosts their first home Test series defeat in a contest of three or more matches in 14 years. Conway (concussion), Ravindra (shoulder) and Blundell (quadriceps) are recovering from their respective injuries and are targeting returns for the opening Test. Ben Sears and Zak Foulkes are absent through injury and Will O'Rourke remains on a return-to-play programme; Jacob Duffy is the sole new inclusion.

Tom Latham will captain the 14-man squad, which comprises: 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.

Rob Walter continues as head coach and will be assisted by bowling coach Jacob Oram; Luke Ronchi will depart as batting coach and B.J. Watling has been appointed as the new batting coach. Watling is scheduled to begin his tenure on November 16.

Walter commented on the appointment and the return of Test cricket to New Zealand, saying: "This series marks the start of an exciting summer of Test cricket for the Black Caps," and added, "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. "We've experienced great crowds so far during the white-ball series and we're really looking forward to having that support during the Tests."

Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell currently has 48 Test caps and could complete his 50th appearance for New Zealand during the series, which includes Christchurch's Hagley Oval among its venues.

On the series' standing in the ICC World Test Championship Walter said: "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."