India have more or less retained the squad which played the two Tests against Bangladesh — with only Yash Dayal missing out — for their ensuing three-match series against New Zealand.
The first Test begins in Bengaluru from October 20.
Jasprit Bumrah has been named vice-captain amid speculation that Rohit Sharma may not be available for the first Test in Australia because of “personal issues”. The BCCI generally doesn’t name a vice-captain for a home series.
Mohammed Shami hasn’t been included in the Test series following an injury during his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy.
The national selectors have also decided to add fast bowler Mayank Yadav among the reserves. It will provide an opportunity to test his skills at nets ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Latham’s aim
New Zealand’s new Test captain Tom Latham feels the only way to challenge an almost invincible India in their own backyard is by playing fearless cricket.
