2 out of 8 Tests are done. So far, India dominated with a 2-0 win over Bangladesh. But now, it’s time for the New Zealand series which will be the last preparation before the mega Border Gavaskar Trophy. Not only do Australia want to end their series losing streak against India, but it will also be the decider for the WTC Final 2025. Hence, the IND vs NZ series will be crucial for Rohit Sharma & Co to get some valuable preparation. But all eyes will be on Mohammed Shami as the India squad for NZ Test series is out this week. Shami has been in rehab, missing out almost a year of cricket.
IND vs NZ Test series begins on October 16 in Bengaluru. It ends on Nov 5. In case, Shami misses the first Test, he can still make a comeback for the second or third Test.
Mohammed Shami question
The second-in-command in India’s pace attack is crucial to India’s success in Australia with Mohammed Siraj’s form dwindling. Shami has been in the National Cricket Academy, completing the final stages of rehab after undergoing ankle surgery. But while the selectors and the BCCI are hopeful of his return to the IND vs NZ Test series, he won’t be rushed.
“We are not concerned about his return. He will need time and directly making a return to Tests could be problematic. He will have his injury assessment and fitness test to determine when he can return. We are hopeful that he will be available for the NZ series. But in any case, he won’t be rushed,” a BCCI official told InsideSport.
However, if Shami misses out on the Test series entirely, selectors could pick him for the IND vs SA T20 series. That could be a slow and steady comeback for the 34-year-old pacer ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in late November.
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India squad for NZ Test series
However, barring Shami, there aren’t many question marks over team selection. Even though batting remains a concern, Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma — the coach and captain duo — would want consistency ahead of a crucial series. KL Rahul will get the backing over Sarfaraz Khan with the latter being a backup in case of any injuries or niggle.
In the bowling department too, there won’t be many changes. Shami’s statemate Akash Deep will keep his place while Mohd Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will be the lead seamers.
There is a chance that Nitish Kumar Reddy will get a test call-up before the Australia tour. Even though he has played only one international match, he could pip Shardul Thakur in the selection race.
Since his return from injury, Shardul Thakur has bowled only four overs. He suffered a setback as he was hospitalised due to a sickness during the Irani Cup match. Selectors will keep a close tab on his progress in the Ranji Trophy before taking a call on his selection.
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are unlikely for the IND vs NZ test Test series. Instead, the selectors will monitor the duo in Ranji Trophy.
Probable India’s squad for NZ Test series
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami (subject to fitness), Nitish Kumar Reddy
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