India’s two-Test series in New Zealand begins on 19 November, and the squad is already named. Here are the dates, the timings in India, the team news and why the series matters for the World Test Championship.
India vs New Zealand Test series schedule
The first Test starts on Thursday, 19 November, in Wellington. The second Test begins on Friday, 27 November, in Christchurch. Both are expected to start at 3:30 am IST, according to the reported schedule, so Indian fans will need to wake up early or follow the highlights. Always confirm timings on the official schedule, because they can change.
India’s Test squad
Shubman Gill captains the side, with KL Rahul as vice-captain. Fast bowler Akash Deep returns to the squad after a long injury layoff, while Mohammed Shami misses out. Rishabh Pant is selected as wicketkeeper, subject to fitness clearance. The pace options also include Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Anshul Kamboj, with Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar among the spin choices.
Preparation and fitness
Some players have been preparing with India A against New Zealand A in four-day games. Siraj was set to join the India A squad for a match beginning on 31 October, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was due to play the third India A game after the first ODI. Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the ODI series after failing a fitness test, but he could rejoin if he clears a return-to-play assessment.
Why the series matters
The two Tests are important for India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final in 2027. Each win earns 12 points, and the table is ranked by points percentage. Our guide to the WTC points system explains how the table works.
Where to watch in India
The tour is broadcast on the Sony Sports Network, with streaming on SonyLIV. Check your subscription before the first Test, and keep the live score open on a cricket app if you cannot watch overnight.
What to expect
New Zealand’s conditions can test both batters and bowlers, and long Test matches reward patience. Watch how India balance pace and spin in the playing eleven, and how the new captain handles his first Tests in New Zealand. Keep an eye on the weather and the pitch report before each match, because conditions can change quickly in Wellington and Christchurch. Workload management has also shaped the squad, so selection decisions are worth following closely.
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