India are set to face New Zealand in a multi-format series featuring five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches. While the white-ball contests will provide opportunities for players to strengthen their positions in the respective squads, the Test series will be particularly important for India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Ahead of the opening Test, former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara shared his preferred playing XI in a video posted by Cricinfo. His selection features an experienced opening pair, a promising batter at No. 3 and two wicketkeeper-batters, along with a pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah.
Cheteshwar Pujara backs KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top
According to the video shared by Cricinfo, Pujara has backed KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings for India in the first Test against New Zealand. The combination offers a blend of experience and attacking intent at the top of the order. Pujara has selected Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3, with Shubman Gill occupying the fourth position. Padikkal’s inclusion comes after his impressive performances in Sri Lanka, where he registered two centuries.
The left-handed batter could provide stability in the middle order while giving India another option against New Zealand’s bowling attack. The former India batter has also included Rishabh Pant at No. 5 and Dhruv Jurel at No. 6. However, Pant’s availability for the match remains subject to fitness clearance.
Jurel’s inclusion alongside Pant gives Pujara’s preferred XI two wicketkeeper-batters, adding depth to the batting lineup. Ravindra Jadeja has been picked at No. 7 as the primary spin-bowling all-rounder, followed by Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 8. The combination allows India to retain batting depth while providing additional bowling options.
Jasprit Bumrah leads India’s pace attack
Pujara’s preferred XI features Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna as the three frontline pace bowlers. Bumrah’s ability to generate movement and deliver breakthroughs makes him a key option, while Siraj and Krishna provide additional pace-bowling support. Jadeja is the only specialist spin option in Pujara’s selected XI, although his all-round abilities give the team flexibility in both departments. Nitish also adds a seam-bowling option alongside his contributions with the bat.
India’s wider squad includes other bowling options, including Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Deep and Kamboj have returned to the squad for the two-Test series, giving the team additional pace options. The first Test between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from November 27.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s predicted India XI: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
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