Two Tests down, and Team India is already off to a flying start with a 2-0 sweep over Bangladesh. But now, all attention shifts to the much-anticipated India vs New Zealand Test series, starting October 16 in Bengaluru. This series isn’t just important for preparation ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, but also holds the key to India’s place in the WTC Final 2025. While there are a few changes expected, the spotlight will firmly be on Mohammed Shami—and whether he can make a timely return after almost a year away due to injury.
Shami, who has been at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) recovering from ankle surgery, is crucial to India’s pace attack, especially with Mohammed Siraj’s recent dip in form. Although the selectors are optimistic, they won’t rush him back onto the field. The BCCI has made it clear that Shami’s return will depend on his fitness test, and there’s hope he could still feature later in the series if not from the get-go.
In case he misses the New Zealand series, there’s talk of Shami returning in the upcoming India vs South Africa T20 series for a gradual comeback ahead of the all-important Border Gavaskar Trophy.
As for the rest of the squad, selectors aren’t likely to spring too many surprises. KL Rahul is set to retain his place over Sarfaraz Khan in the batting lineup. On the bowling front, Mohd. Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Akash Deep are expected to spearhead India’s attack, with Shami’s inclusion dependent on his recovery. Nitish Kumar Reddy might also get his first Test call-up, potentially edging out Shardul Thakur, who’s still recovering from a recent illness.
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Probable India Squad for NZ Test Series 2024:
- 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
The series kicks off soon, and India will look to carry their dominant form into these critical matches, with or without Shami.
