IND vs NZ Test Series: New Zealand Names Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra Subject to Fitness
New Zealand Cricket has announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming IND vs NZ Test Series 2026, including Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell despite their respective injury concerns. Captain Tom Latham will lead the Black Caps in the two-match series, which begins in Wellington on November 19.
The three players have been selected but are not yet confirmed starters. According to New Zealand Cricket, Conway is recovering from concussion, Ravindra from a shoulder injury and Blundell from a quadricep injury. All three are working towards being available for the opening Test.
Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell Race Against Time
The fitness of three important New Zealand players will be closely monitored before the first Test.
- Devon Conway: Recovering from concussion following a collision with teammate Matt Henry during a training session.
- Rachin Ravindra: Working through a shoulder injury sustained during a promotional shoot.
- Tom Blundell: Recovering from a quadricep injury.
New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that all three are targeting availability for the opening Test. Their final participation will depend on their recovery and medical clearance.
New Zealand Announce 14-Member Squad for India Tests
Tom Latham will captain a strong New Zealand squad featuring experienced batters, all-rounders and fast bowlers.
New Zealand Test squad:
- 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
- Will Young
Jacob Duffy returns to the Test group, while Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes and Will O’Rourke are unavailable because of injuries or recovery programmes.
IND vs NZ Test Series 2026: Full Schedule
The two-match series will be played at two prominent New Zealand cricket venues.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | November 19–23, 2026 | Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| 2nd Test | November 27–December 2, 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
The series marks the first Test meeting between the two countries since New Zealand’s historic 3-0 victory in India in 2024.
Latest ICC World Test Championship Standings
The IND vs NZ Test Series 2026 is important for both teams’ ambitions of reaching the 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final.
According to the latest ICC standings available, New Zealand are at the top with 72.22 percentage points, while India are fourth with 51.52. South Africa are second and Australia are third.
The two-match series will provide both teams with an opportunity to strengthen their positions in the championship race.
India Prepare for a Challenging Test Tour
India will face a competitive New Zealand side in conditions that traditionally offer assistance to seam bowlers.
The Indian squad includes captain Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, among others.
India will look to adapt quickly to the conditions in Wellington and Christchurch and secure important World Test Championship points.
What to Expect from the IND vs NZ Test Series
New Zealand will hope their experienced players recover in time for the opening match. The availability of Conway, Ravindra and Blundell could influence the team’s batting and wicketkeeping combinations.
India, meanwhile, will aim to challenge the hosts and improve on their previous Test-series result in New Zealand’s favour.
With important championship points at stake, the two-Test contest promises an interesting battle between the sides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does the IND vs NZ Test Series 2026 begin?
The first Test begins on November 19, 2026, at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington.
2. Has New Zealand included Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra in its squad?
Yes. Both players have been named in the 14-member squad, but their availability depends on fitness clearance.
3. What injuries are Conway, Ravindra and Blundell recovering from?
Conway is recovering from concussion, Ravindra from a shoulder injury and Blundell from a quadricep injury.
4. Who will captain New Zealand in the Test series?
Tom Latham will captain the New Zealand team.
5. Where will the second Test be played?
The second Test will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 2, 2026.
6. What is India’s current position in the World Test Championship standings?
India are fourth with 51.52 percentage points in the latest standings checked for this report. The standings can change as more matches are played.
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