Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway Set to Return from Injuries as New Zealand Prepare to Challenge India

New Zealand Cricket have announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against India. The squad includes three key players, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell, who are currently in the final stages of their recovery from injuries. The first Test of the series will begin in Wellington on November 19.

Last September, top-order batter Rachin Ravindra sustained an injury to his right shoulder while attempting a diving catch during an advertising shoot. As a result, he was ruled out of the T20I and ODI series against India. Meanwhile, Devon Conway suffered a concussion after sustaining a blow to the head during a training session ahead of the ODI series, while Blundell has been struggling with a quadriceps injury.

In a statement, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that all three players are in the final stages of their recovery and are expected to be fully fit before the first Test. If Blundell features in both Tests, he will reach the milestone of 50 Test appearances in his career.

The series is crucial for both teams as they look to remain in contention for a place in the final of the 2025–27 World Test Championship. New Zealand currently sit at the top of the points table, with South Africa and Australia breathing down their necks. Meanwhile, fourth-placed India face a challenging road to the final. To keep their hopes alive, India will need to secure consecutive victories in this series as well as in their subsequent assignments.

New Zealand Test Squad:

Tom Latham (Captain), Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper), 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.