Sarfaraz Khan Dropped as Nitish Kumar Reddy Returns to India’s Test Squad for New Zealand Tour

India have made several changes to their Test squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, with Sarfaraz Khan among the players left out of the 16-member team. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, and pacer Akash Deep have returned to the squad as India prepare for a two-match series in November.

Captain Shubman Gill will lead the side, with KL Rahul appointed vice-captain. The selection brings back several players who offer experience and balance across India's batting, pace bowling and spin-bowling departments.

Sarfaraz Khan Among Five Players Dropped

Sarfaraz Khan has missed out as the selectors reshape the squad for the New Zealand Tests. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, off-spinner Saransh Jain, fast bowler Auqib Nabi and pacer Gurnoor Brar have also been left out.

The changes make room for the returning players and Sai Sudharsan, who is back in contention after recovering from injury. The revised combination gives India a mix of established international performers and younger players competing for places in the starting eleven.

Sarfaraz's omission is one of the notable decisions because he had been part of India's recent Test plans. His exclusion means he will need to continue making his case through domestic performances and future selection opportunities.

Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy Return

Bumrah's inclusion strengthens India's pace attack ahead of a series in conditions that can offer assistance to fast bowlers. His ability to generate movement and maintain accuracy makes him an important option for the team, particularly away from home.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's return provides India with another seam-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the team greater flexibility when deciding how to balance its playing eleven.

Washington Sundar adds another spin-bowling option while also offering batting depth. Akash Deep's return increases the number of specialist pace options available to the captain and team management.

The squad also includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Anshul Kamboj, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, giving India a range of bowling combinations to consider across the two matches.

Rishabh Pant's Selection Depends on Fitness

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been included in the squad subject to fitness clearance. His availability will be an important factor as India finalise their combination for the opening Test.

Dhruv Jurel is also part of the squad, providing another wicketkeeping option. The selectors have therefore retained flexibility should Pant require additional time to recover fully.

In the batting department, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan are among the options alongside Gill and Rahul. The final playing eleven will depend on form, fitness and the conditions at each venue.

India Begin New Zealand Tour in November

India's two-Test series is scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19, with the second match starting in Christchurch on November 27. Both fixtures will contribute to the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

The tour presents India with an important opportunity to strengthen their position in the championship standings while testing their squad in New Zealand conditions.

With several players returning and five names missing from the revised group, attention will now turn to India's final team combination. The fitness of key players, particularly Pant, and the balance between pace and spin could influence the selection decisions ahead of the opening Test.