The Indian Cricket Board have announced 16-member squad for the two match Test series against New Zealand to be played from 21st February 2020. These two matches are a part of the ICC Test Championship.
Prithvi Shaw returns to the Test squad after an injury lay off and ban. Mayank Agarwal will be his opening partner. Shubman Gill has been named as a replacement for Rohit Sharma who injured himself in the 5th T20I match at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
The Indian Cricket Team are currently at the top positions in the ICC Test Championship with 360 points. This will be a big challenge for Virat Kohli led side who have won Test matches against South Africa, Bangladesh at home and West Indies in West Indies.
The Indian captain Virat Kohli, Ajiyanka Rahane, Hanuma Vihari Wriddhiman Saha, Risbabh Pant comprise of the middle order. Playing Test matches in New Zealand conditions is tough.
Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin will comprise of two spinners. Jasprit Bumrah makes a comeback into the Test squad after an injury layoff. Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami has been included. Navdeep Saini who performed brilliantly in the T20I series has been given a maiden Test call. Ishant Sharma who injured in the Ranji Trophy match has been included with subject to fitness Test.
The Indian Cricket Team have been on a roll in the Indian conditions. Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India registered their maiden series win on Australian soil in 2018/2019. India won their last Test series win on New Zealand shores in 2009.
It promises to be an exciting series with top quality pace bowling line up who can create panic among the oppositions.
Here we look at the 16 Man squad for the Test series against New Zealand
Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajiyanka Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha(WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Ishant Sharma ( subject to fitness clearance).
