With the two-Test series against New Zealand fast approaching, Team India’s red-ball preparations have hit a mix of tactical fine-tuning and fitness anxiety. As the opening Test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve on November 19 draws near, uncertainty hangs over the availability of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. However, the Indian management has moved swiftly to fortify their red-ball core, bolstering the India A squad with premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln.
Rishabh Pant to miss IND A vs NZ A 3rd unofficial Test
Rishabh Pant has been officially ruled out of the upcoming third India A fixture in Lincoln starting Saturday as he continues his recovery from a side strain. Pant is currently stationed at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where medical specialists and physios are monitoring his rehabilitation.
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In his absence, Tilak Varma has been drafted into the India A setup in Lincoln as a squad replacement. Should Pant fail to recover in time for the Wellington Test, youngster Dhruv Jurel is primed to take over the big gloves for the senior side. Jurel, who continues to captain the India A side, has displayed impressive composure in his brief Test career so far and offers a seamless transition behind the stumps.
Bumrah and Jadeja lead red-ball tune-up
While Pant’s fitness remains a concern, India’s Test preparations have received a massive shot in the arm with the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja for the final Lincoln fixture. Both stalwarts are using the shadow tour to acclimatize to local conditions and log crucial red-ball overs.
Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah hit the ground running upon arriving in New Zealand, completing two intensive training sessions with the India A squad. Having been rested during select white-ball legs, Bumrah’s presence in Lincoln allows him to test his rhythm, bowling workloads, and landing stride under authentic match conditions in the windy climate of the South Island.
Ravindra Jadeja’s form curve
Ravindra Jadeja arrives in New Zealand boasting high match sharpness after a productive domestic stint. Playing for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, the left-arm all-rounder demonstrated complete match fitness, claiming seven wickets across two outings and notching up a classic red-ball century. His inclusion in Lincoln ensures he transitions smoothly from subcontinental surfaces to the seam-friendly pitches expected at the Basin Reserve and Christchurch.
The fast-bowling department is seeing further movement as India streamlines its red-ball and white-ball resources across the twin tours.
Prasidh Krishna’s recovery: Right-arm quick Prasidh Krishna is slated to feature in the Lincoln A match after spending three weeks recovering from a hamstring strain. Although cleared for all formats by medical staff, team management chose to hold him back from the ongoing ODI series to ensure he enters the Test series fully fit.
Auqib Nabi’s promotion: With Prasidh being preserved for red-ball duties, Jammu & Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi received his maiden call-up to the senior ODI squad, filling the vacancy left by seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who shifted to the India A squad.
Mohammed Siraj joins ODI setup: Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has re-joined the senior ODI squad in Wellington after missing the series opener in Auckland. Siraj was given a brief breather after bowling a heavy 35-over spell (4/118) in the second unofficial Test at Christchurch.
Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill will not feature in the Lincoln red-ball match due to overlapping schedules with the second and third ODIs. Gill is scheduled to hand over white-ball responsibilities after the final ODI in Hamilton to link up early with the Test squad for specialized red-ball drills.
This tour marks India's first Test assignment on New Zealand soil since early 2020, when a previous iteration of the squad suffered a 2–0 series defeat just before global sports were halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. From that 2020 touring party, only four players, Gill, Bumrah, Pant, and Jadeja, remain in the current squad.
Beyond historical redemption, the two-Test series carries critical significance for India's qualification prospects in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle heading toward the 2027 final. Sitting in a tight tussle at the top half of the table, India have virtually zero margin for error. Securing a 2–0 series sweep in Wellington and Christchurch is essential if they are to control their own destiny for a spot in the Lord's final in June 2027.
How can India make it to WTC final?
Sitting fourth in the WTC standings, India currently hold 68 points alongside a point percentage (PCT) of 51.52%. With seven red-ball encounters remaining in their campaign—two away in New Zealand followed by a five-match home series against Australia—the team faces a demanding qualification pathway. To secure a spot in the final, India virtually need a near-flawless run, requiring victories in six or perhaps all seven of these remaining fixtures. This makes the upcoming assignment in New Zealand exceptionally challenging, given the difficult batting conditions expected on seam-friendly tracks. While a home series against Australia offers familiar conditions, navigating the away legs in Wellington and Christchurch remains India's primary hurdle.
India's Remaining WTC Schedule:
New Zealand Away Series (2 Tests):
1st Test: November 19–23, 2026 – Wellington
2nd Test: November 27–December 1, 2026 – Christchurch
Australia Home Series (5 Tests):
1st Test: January 21–25, 2027 – Nagpur
2nd Test: January 29–February 2, 2027 – Chennai
3rd Test: February 11–15, 2027 – Guwahati
4th Test: February 19–23, 2027 – Ranchi
5th Test: February 27–March 3, 2027 – Ahmedabad
South Africa’s recent victory over Australia shook up the top order of the standings, with New Zealand emerging as the biggest indirect gainer. The Black Caps jumped to the summit with a 72.22 PCT across six matches, while South Africa climbed into second spot with a 71.42 PCT. Australia's defeat dropped them from first to third as their percentage fell from 75% to 69.23%. India rose to fourth position following West Indies' eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first Test.