India's upcoming tour of New Zealand from October 22 to December 1 features five T20Is, five ODIs, and a critical two-match Test series. For the national side, the red-ball leg carries immense significance, serving as a pivotal step in their bid to secure a top-two finish in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 standings and lock in a spot for the 2027 final at The Oval.
BCCI bets on 5 fast bowlers for NZ tour, Auqib Nabi, Shami misses the cut
In preparation for the high-stakes trip, the Indian team management has already begun laying the groundwork. As reported by Dainik Jagran on Wednesday (September 2), decision-makers have narrowed down a shortlist of five fast bowlers to lead the pace attack on Kiwi soil.
Notably, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami remains outside the selectors' plans. Despite boasting a formidable record of 229 wickets across 64 Tests—including 15 scalps in four previous Test appearances in New Zealand—the out-of-favour bowler is reportedly not part of the management's vision for the series.
Along with Shami, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar has also reportedly missed out on the selection. Despite finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy and earning his maiden Test call-up for last month's series against Sri Lanka, Nabi was kept on the bench throughout and has now been left out of the shortlisted group.
Bumrah, Siraj, Prasidh, Gurnoor, Akash in fray
Instead, the team management has reportedly zeroed in on Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, and Akash Deep for the fast-bowling duties in New Zealand. However, fitness concerns hang over the attack, with both Bumrah and Akash Deep sidelined by injury, while Brar—who has impressed for India 'A' and in domestic circuits—remains uncapped at the Test level.
To address these uncertainties, BCCI officials are scheduled to convene with the Indian team management in Mumbai on Thursday. A key focus of the discussion will be assessing the fitness levels, current availability, and potential readiness of the shortlisted seamers ahead of the tour.
However, just a few days ago, a PTI report revealed that Auqib Nabi was heading to the County Championship to prep for the upcoming New Zealand series. It will be interesting to see whether Nabi could make it to India's squad for the New Zealand tour or not.