Jasprit Bumrah last played a Test in November last year. Source- XIndia are trying to leave no stone unturned in their preparations to win the Test series in New Zealand, which they haven't won since 2008/09. However, this time, the Indian team, with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, is heading Down Under with truckloads of experience. New Zealand is one rare country where Bumrah hasn't had Test success, but the ace Indian seamer is now more experienced, skilful, and resolute than he was on his last tour in 2019/20. Although Bumrah is currently in Japan for the Asian Games 2026, the BCCI may look to unleash him in the upcoming Ranji Trophy or ask him to play for India A in New Zealand to get some red-ball overs under his belt before the all-important tour. Jasprit Bumrah to play Ranji, travel early to New Zealand with India AReported by the Times of India, the national selectors, who recently met to name Pragyan Ojha as interim chairperson, discussed at length India’s preparations for the two-Test series vs New Zealand, starting mid-November. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah has not played any Test cricket since last November and has featured in very few games post the IPL 2026 due to workload management and injury concerns. Thus, the ace seamer will need to be red-ball ready before the tour Down Under. Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Addresses Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya’s Fragile Fitness WoesReportedly, he will be asked to play one round of Ranji Trophy 2026/27 fixtures for Gujarat or travel early with the Indian A side for three unofficial games before the Test tour. “Conversations have already begun regarding Jasprit Bumrah's planning for the tour. The team management wants him to have some red-ball volume before playing the series opener in mid-November. The options on the table are either one Ranji Trophy fixture for Gujarat or the India A game when the squad assembles for the three fixtures starting October 24,” the report stated. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul to feature in at least one Ranji roundMoreover, the Indian Test captain Shubman Gill and his deputy KL Rahul will also participate in the first match of the upcoming Ranji Trophy for Punjab and Karnataka, respectively. Although it isn’t clear how many games they will play before the major Test series, the duo could also play more matches after consulting the BCCI medical team. "The match and the number of matches they play will depend on the medical team's clearance, keeping the workload and assignments in mind. We must factor in that some players participate in two formats. Accordingly, a decision will be made, but participation will not be compromised. All senior players, including the captain, are expected to play at least one game provided there are no medical/workload concerns,” TOI said, quoting a source. Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy under microscope for NZ TestsBarring Jasprit Bumrah, the selectors are keeping a tight check on Akash Deep as well, with the right-arm pacer also coming off a long injury layoff. The Bengal gun, last played in February this year, will be featuring in the Irani Cup against J&K in Sri Lanka, under Rishabh Pant’s captaincy. It is learnt that he will be under the selectors’ microscope for the given match. Apart from Bumrah and Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Auqib Nabi are expected to be a part of the bowling department for New Zealand. They too will be asked to bowl enough overs. Moreover, the selectors are looking at Nitish Kumar Reddy as a fast-bowling all-rounder for the two-match Test series Down Under. It is worth mentioning that the Ranji Trophy 2026/27 will kickstart on October 11.Also Read: India Vs West Indies Head To Head Records- 2nd ODI, West Indies Tour Of India 2026
