India’s men’s cricket team will travel to New Zealand later this year to play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests from October 22 to December 1. The two-match Test series against the Black Caps will be crucial for India as they look to finish in the top two of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table and qualify for the WTC 2027 final at The Oval.
With the much-awaited Test series in New Zealand approaching, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has started its preparations. According to a report in Dainik Jagran on Wednesday (September 2), the Indian team management has shortlisted five fast bowlers for the away series.
However, there is once again no place for out-of-favour fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Shami, who has accounted for the dismissals of 229 batters in 64 Tests for India, has picked up 15 wickets in four Tests played so far in New Zealand. Despite his experience and record, he is reportedly not part of the team management’s plans.
In addition to Shami, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar has also been left out of the list. Nabi, who finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, earned his maiden India Test call-up for the Test series against Sri Lanka last month but did not get an opportunity to play a single match.
Instead, it has been reported that the team management has shortlisted Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Akash Deep for the New Zealand series.
However, Bumrah and Akash Deep are currently out of action due to injuries, while Brar is yet to make his Test debut for India. The young pacer has, however, impressed with his performances for India A and in domestic cricket.
BCCI officials will meet with the Indian team management in Mumbai on Thursday. During the meeting, the board is expected to seek updates on the shortlisted pacers’ fitness, availability and potential roles in the series.
