Conway, Rachin, Blundell named in NZ squad for India Tests starting Nov 19
Synopsis
New Zealand have named an injury-hit but formidable squad for the two-match Test series against India, with Conway, Rachin and Blundell all racing the clock to be fit for the Wellington opener on 19 November. The series is their first home red-ball clash with India since the historic 3-0 whitewash in 2024 — and WTC points make it far more than a homecoming.
Key Takeaways
Devon Conway (concussion), Rachin Ravindra (dislocated right shoulder), and Tom Blundell (quadriceps) are all named in the squad despite injuries, aiming to be available for the first Test on 19 November .
The two-match series begins at Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington on 19 November 2026 , under the captaincy of Tom Latham .
Jacob Duffy is the only new addition to the squad compared to the England Test tour; Ben Sears , Zak Foulkes , and Will O'Rourke miss out through injury.
Tom Blundell is on 48 Test caps and in line to play his landmark 50th Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch .
New Zealand are second in the ICC World Test Championship table; India are fourth .
Newly appointed batting coach BJ Watling begins his tenure on 16 November , days before the series opener.
Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Tom Blundell — all recovering from separate injuries — have been included in the New Zealand squad for the two-match Test series against India, beginning at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington on 19 November 2026. The squad, led by Tom Latham, was announced by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on 11 November.
Injury Updates on Conway, Rachin and Blundell
Devon Conway is recovering from a concussion sustained while fielding during a training session ahead of the ODI series. Rachin Ravindra suffered a dislocated right shoulder during a promotional shoot in Auckland ahead of the T20I series against India. Tom Blundell, the wicketkeeper, is managing a quadriceps injury. NZC confirmed: 'Tom Blundell (quadricep), Devon Conway (concussion), and Rachin Ravindra (shoulder), are working through their respective injuries and aiming to be available for the first Test.'
Notably, Blundell currently stands at 48 Test caps and is on course to play his 50th Test for New Zealand — a milestone expected to arrive at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the venue for the second match.
Squad Composition and Key Changes
The squad bears a strong resemblance to the New Zealand side that toured England earlier this year. The notable absentees are Ben Sears (ankle injury), Zak Foulkes (hip injury), and Will O'Rourke (return-to-play programme). Jacob Duffy is the sole addition to that England-touring group.
The full squad reads: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
Coaching Staff Transition
Head coach Rob Walter will be supported by bowling coach Jacob Oram, departing batting coach Luke Ronchi, and newly appointed batting coach BJ Watling, who begins his tenure on 16 November — just days before the first Test. Walter expressed enthusiasm about competing in front of home crowds. '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,' he said. 'We've experienced great crowds so far during the white-ball series and we're really looking forward to having that support during the Tests,' Walter added.
World Test Championship Context
Walter also flagged the broader stakes of the series in the context of the ICC World Test Championship. '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 said.
New Zealand currently occupy second place in the World Test Championship standings, behind only South Africa. India sit in fourth place, with Australia — the reigning runners-up — third. This series also carries historical weight: it marks New Zealand's first home red-ball contest with India since their 3-0 Test series whitewash of India in 2024 — the first time any visiting team had whitewashed India in a Test series on home soil.
With three injury-hit players aiming to pass fitness tests ahead of 19 November, New Zealand's selection picture will sharpen significantly over the coming week.
Point of View
A result that upended global perceptions of India's home invincibility. For New Zealand, defending that credibility on home soil while managing a compressed injury timeline and a mid-series coaching transition is a genuine challenge. The WTC context means these two Tests are not just about pride — they could meaningfully shift India's path to the final.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in New Zealand's squad for the Test series against India in 2026?
New Zealand's squad is: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, and Will Young. Three players — Conway, Rachin, and Blundell — are managing injuries ahead of the first Test.
When and where does the New Zealand vs India Test series begin?
The two-match Test series begins on 19 November 2026 at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second Test is scheduled at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
What injuries are Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell dealing with?
Devon Conway is recovering from a concussion suffered during a training session before the ODIs. Rachin Ravindra has a dislocated right shoulder from a promotional shoot in Auckland ahead of the T20Is. Tom Blundell is managing a quadriceps injury. All three are aiming to be fit for the Wellington Test.
What is the World Test Championship significance of this series?
New Zealand currently sit second in the ICC World Test Championship standings, while India are fourth. Head coach Rob Walter confirmed that valuable Championship points are at stake, with ten Tests scheduled for New Zealand between November and March.
How does this series relate to the 2024 Test series between India and New Zealand?
This series is New Zealand's first home red-ball fixture against India since they completed a 3-0 Test series whitewash of India in 2024 — the first time any visiting team had whitewashed India in a Test series on home soil.
