As the cool southern spring blooms in Aotearoa, a new era in Indian Test cricket kicks off. India, currently in a grueling two-match Test series in New Zealand, will feature a familiar face leading the team, Shubman Gill. He is supported by a veteran, KL Rahul, who has been entrusted with the vice-captaincy responsibilities.
The Indian contingent will have a mix of seasoned campaigners and flamboyant white-ballers as the 16-man squad has a healthy blend of players brought in from the domestic and franchise cricket circuits.
The first Test commences on November 19 in Wellington at the Basin Reserve and the second one begins on November 27 in Christchurch at the Hagley Oval.
We take a look at the squad's composition based on the franchise they represent in the IPL.
Gujarat Titans: The Gujarat Titans boast a gargantuan five member contingent in the touring squad.
Shubman Gill: Apart from skipper duties, Gill leads the charge as GT's leading run-scorer in the IPL. He has amassed 3,181 runs in 76 innings, at an average of 46.10 and a strike rate of 152.63, with five centuries and 22 fifties to his name.
Sai Sudharsan: The flamboyant opener has been a revelation for GT after returning from a toe injury. With a strike rate of 149.16 and an average of 48.36 in 57 innings, he has scored three tons and 20 fifties, with 2,515 runs to his name.
Mohammed Siraj: The seamer has brought his international experience to bear on the franchise contingent, bagging 35 wickets in 32 matches for GT.
Prasidh Krishna: The bowler has been a consistent performer for the Titans in seaming conditions, with 41 wickets in 27 games at an average of 21.82.
Washington Sundar: The all-rounder has chipped in with 510 runs at a strike rate of 154.07 in 21 innings for the franchise.
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Rajasthan Royals: Rajasthan Royals offer three pillars to the red-ball set-up, a mix of youth and experience.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The explosive opener has continued his dream run, amassing 2,593 runs in 82 innings for RR at a strike rate of 152.79.
Dhruv Jurel: The keeper-batter has displayed exceptional composure at the crease, with 1,195 runs in 51 innings, with ten fifties to his name.
Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder returns to the RR set-up for the IPL 2026, with 696 runs and 16 wickets in 27 innings with his metronomic left-arm spin.
Delhi Capitals:
DC have two elite names in their contingent, representing some of the most crucial match-winning performers.
KL Rahul: The Test vice-captain has been in sublime form for Delhi, with 1,132 runs in 27 innings at an average of 49.21 and a strike rate of 161.71.
Rishabh Pant: Chosen at the best of his fitness, Pant returns to DC for IPL 2027, with 3,284 runs in 110 innings at a strike rate of 148.93 for the Delhi franchise.
The Rest of the Nation: X-Factors Across Franchises
Mumbai Indians: The pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for MI has a legendary IPL record for the franchise with 187 wickets in 158 matches at an economy rate of 7.33.
Lucknow Super Giants: The left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was traded by DC to LSG, has an IPL record of 72 wickets in 63 innings.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Devdutt Padikkal retains his spot for RCB after stellar displays in Sri Lanka, with his record of 1,595 runs at an average of 31.27 for the franchise.
Kolkata Knight Riders: The pacer Akash Deep makes a welcome return after long lower back injury kept him out of the IPL 2026.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy provides balance to the SRH set-up, with 787 runs and 13 wickets in 22 matches.
Chennai Super Kings: The right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj completes the list, with 29 wickets in 22 matches for CSK.
Outlook for the Series
With a healthy mix of fiery young talent wanting to prove themselves in overseas conditions, and senior players providing solidity at the crucial junctures, India's squad for the trans-Tasman showdown has all the ingredients for a thrilling encounter. Can Gill's men overcome the bounce and dip of Wellington and Christchurch? The stage is set.