New Zealand have named a 14-member squad for the two-Test series against India, with the first match scheduled at Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19 to 24 and the second at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 2. Tom Latham will lead the side, which sees the return of Jacob Duffy, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway after each missed part of the recent white-ball leg against India.

Duffy was absent from the England tour earlier in 2026 due to paternity leave and comes back into the Test setup for this home series. Ravindra had dislocated his right shoulder during the T20I series against India, forcing him to sit out that white-ball campaign, while Conway is recovering from a concussion sustained in the opening ODI. Tom Blundell, who has been managing a quadricep injury, has also been included and will keep wicket.

Three players who featured in New Zealand's 2-1 Test series win over England earlier in 2026 are unavailable. Will O'Rourke is on a return-to-play programme, Zak Foulkes is sidelined with a hip injury and Ben Sears is out with an ankle injury. Kane Williamson, who retired midway through the England series in June 2026, is also not part of the squad. BJ Watling has been appointed as the new batting coach ahead of a summer that also includes a four-match series against Australia in December-January and a two-match series against Sri Lanka in February.

Why does Jacob Duffy's return matter for New Zealand's Test plans?

Duffy's absence during the England tour meant New Zealand had to manage their pace resources without him, making his availability for a home series a straightforward selection. His return adds depth to a bowling attack that already includes Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Blair Tickner. The series against India opens a busy home summer for the BLACKCAPS, and having a fuller pace group available from the outset gives head coach Rob Walter more options across two Tests played at different venues and in potentially different conditions.

"This series marks the start of an exciting summer of Test cricket for the BLACKCAPS. 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," said Walter as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"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," he added.

How have injury concerns shaped New Zealand's squad selection?

The absence of O'Rourke, Foulkes and Sears through injury, combined with Williamson's mid-series retirement during the England Tests, means the squad carries a different look compared to the group that toured England. Despite those absences, selectors have been able to call on Ravindra and Conway, both of whom were unavailable for the T20I leg against India but have recovered in time for the Test series. Blundell's inclusion despite his quadricep concern reflects confidence in his fitness ahead of the November 19 start.

New Zealand squad for two-Test series vs India

Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.