India vs New Zealand: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell named in NZ Test squad despite injuries

New Zealand have announced their 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against India, with Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell included despite nursing injuries. Tom Latham will continue to lead the side, which will begin in Wellington on November 19.

The three players are currently recovering from their respective injuries, with their availability for the opening Test yet to be confirmed. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated that the trio are working towards regaining fitness in time for the first match.

Conway, Ravindra and Blundell working towards fitness

Conway sustained a concussion during a training session ahead of the ongoing ODI series against India. Ravindra, meanwhile, dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional shoot in Auckland ahead of the T20I leg of the tour.

Wicketkeeper-batter Blundell is recovering from a quadriceps injury. He currently has 48 Test appearances and is in line to reach the milestone of 50 Tests for New Zealand during the series. "Tom Blundell (quadricep), Devon Conway (concussion), and Rachin Ravindra (shoulder), are working through their respective injuries and aiming to be available for the first Test," NZC said.

Jacob Duffy included, three players miss out

The squad largely retains the core of the New Zealand side that toured England earlier this year. However, Ben Sears (ankle injury), Zak Foulkes (hip injury) and Will O'Rourke, who is following a return-to-play programme, have not been included. Fast bowler Jacob Duffy has been added to the squad for the India series.

Rob Walter looks forward to home Test series

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter will be accompanied by bowling coach Jacob Oram, outgoing batting coach Luke Ronchi and newly appointed batting coach BJ Watling, who will begin his tenure on November 16.

Walter said the team was looking forward to returning to home conditions after its successful tour of England earlier this year. "The squad is largely consistent with the team that competed in England earlier this year, so it'll be great to be back together to try and recreate some of that success on home soil," Walter said.

"We've experienced great crowds so far during the white-ball series and we're really looking forward to having that support during the Tests," he added.

WTC points at stake as India return to New Zealand

Walter also highlighted the importance of the series in the context of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), with valuable points at stake. "There are ten Tests scheduled between now and March, so there's no shortage of action for red-ball fans. Valuable Championship points are on the line of course, but our focus remains on playing our best cricket against a high-quality team like India," he said.

The upcoming series will mark New Zealand's first Test assignment against India since their historic 3-0 series victory on Indian soil in 2024. The result made them the first visiting team to whitewash India in a Test series at home. New Zealand are currently second in the World Test Championship standings, behind South Africa. India occupy fourth place, with Australia sitting third.

New Zealand squad for India Test series

Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, 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.