BCCI announces Test squad for New Zealand series, names Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain

I Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match series New Zealandfrom October 17 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The selection committee opted to continue, keeping the same squad that recently won 2-0 against Bangladesh in the two-match Test series. He is currently sitting at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standing, India will aim to increase their strength in the upcoming series.

Jasprit Bumrah has been appointed as the vice-captain of Team India

Another highlight of the squad announcement Jasprit Bumrahappointment as vice-captain. His consistent performance in the longest format has earned him this leadership role. The pacer has been a key asset for India across formats, and his selection reflects the selectors’ confidence in his ability to guide the team on and off the field. Bumrah’s role will be crucial, especially with Mohammed Shami he is still recovering from an injury that has kept him out of the 2023 World Cup finals.

Changes to the New Zealand series squad

The only significant change to the squad is the omission of Yash Dayalwho was part of Bangladesh but he was left out of the New Zealand series. Meanwhile, Shami is still missing as he continues to recover from his ankle injury. The seasoned runner has made it clear that he will not rush back until he is healthy, preferring to avoid the risk of long-term injury. To ensure depth, the BCCI has named four tour destinations: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav again Prasidh Krishna.

Focus on emerging talent

Sarfaraz Khan again Dhruv Jurelwho did not appear in the Bangladesh series, were kept in the New Zealand Tests. Both players showed their talent during the match Iran Cup 2024and Sarfaraz who scored an amazing double century in Mumbai and Jurel impressing with 97 points in All India. India may look to rotate their squad and give these players opportunities, along with other guys Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, to ensure they are fit to match ahead of the much-anticipated Australia series.

UPDATE: New Zealand announce Test squad to tour India; Kane Williamson’s availability is uncertain

Inspection schedule and location details

After the first Test in Bengaluru, India and New Zealand will head to Pune for the second match, followed by the third and final Test in Mumbai. As the Blackcaps are coming off a losing streak Sri Lanka again Tim Southee stepping down as captain, the Indian team will be keen to capitalize on New Zealand’s transitional phase and secure another series win in the WTC 2023-25 ​​cycle.

India squad for Test series against New Zealand:

Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav , Mohammed. Siraj, Akash Deep.

Saved: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna

ALSO READ: Statistical comparison of Fab 4 centuries in test cricket since 2021 ft. Virat Kohli