Indian Players Who Can Be Dropped For New Zealand Tests

Players Who Could Be Dropped From NZ Tests (Source: AFP)India may have won the Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0, but the team could still make several changes before travelling to New Zealand later this year for a two-match Test series, along with five ODIs and the same number of T20Is.Considering the playing conditions in New Zealand and the difficult position India is in at present in the Test Championship (WTC) points table, there is a chance that the Shubman Gill-led team might make a few changes before picking the squad for the India tour of New Zealand 2026.India will play the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1. Having said this, in this article, let’s take a look at players whom India under head coach Gautam Gambhir might drop for NZ Tests.Also Read: BCCI To Change India’s T20 Squad For Asian Games After AngerYashasvi JaiswalYashasvi Jaiswal is one of the biggest names who could come under discussion before the New Zealand series. The opener's recent form has not been as strong as expected. During the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, Jaiswal scored 139 runs in four innings at an average of 34.75.Jaiswal’s aggressive style of play has always been one of his biggest strengths, but the same approach has also backfired for him and caused problems in recent times. In the Galle Test, he again tried to attack early in his second innings. But on a surface offering more turn, he was unable to adjust his approach and lost his wicket early.Jaiswal's footwork has also become a talking point, and against quality bowling, especially in conditions where the ball can move, his movement at the crease has also been an issue for him.If the Indian team management wants to change the opening combination, Jaiswal could potentially make way for Sai Sudharsan, provided he has recovered from his injury. One possible combination could see KL Rahul open the innings, followed by Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and captain Shubman Gill for the New Zealand Tests.Kuldeep YadavKuldeep Yadav is another player whose position could be questioned before the New Zealand Tests. The left-arm wrist-spinner missed the second Test in Colombo after being ruled out because of an infection. Saransh Jain came into the playing XI in his place.Kuldeep's performance in the first Test at Galle was also not particularly impressive. He finished with match figures of 1/103 from 25 overs, and along with this, he was also not looking completely settled with his bowling; several deliveries were too full or drifted towards the pads, allowing the left-handed batters to play shots easily.Considering the conditions in New Zealand, India might not need three specialist spinners, so there is a strong chance they might drop Kuldeep Yadav. Ravindra Jadeja is likely to remain and play as a frontline spinner alongside Manav Suthar.Also Read: Shubman Gill - 5/10, Rishabh Pant? India Players' Rating After Sri Lanka TestsSarfaraz KhanSarfaraz Khan could also find himself outside the squad or playing XI if Sai Sudharsan returns to full fitness. He was added to India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series after Sudharsan was injured. However, he did not get a chance to bat in either Tests. His most notable contribution came as a substitute fielder in Colombo, stepping in during Rishabh Pant's injury. If Sudharsan is fit again, India might go with him and drop Sarfaraz Khan.Gurnoor BrarGurnoor Brar is another player whose place could become difficult to secure if India's experienced fast bowlers return. The young pacer was part of India's options during the Sri Lanka series, but the situation could change significantly before the New Zealand tour.If Jasprit Bumrah is fit and available, he is expected to return to the Test side. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are also likely to be strong contenders because New Zealand conditions should suit India's pace attack.Harshit Rana could also return if he recovers from injury. Auqib Nabi is another fast-bowling option who could be considered. With so many pace options available, Gurnoor could find it difficult to make the final squad, especially when experience and conditions are taken into account.The Indian think tank is also closely monitoring the development of its fast bowlers. Gurnoor has reportedly been asked to report for the North Zone Duleep Trophy semi-final, and if he fails to perform there, he will miss another opportunity for the New Zealand series.Saransh JainSaransh Jain made his Test debut at the age of 33 in the IND vs SL 2nd Test. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder was brought into the squad after Washington Sundar was unavailable and then got his chance in the second Test when Kuldeep Yadav was ruled out.New Zealand conditions could make his selection even more difficult. India might focus on a pace-heavy attack and pick only one specialist spinner. Ravindra Jadeja could have the advantage because of his batting and bowling.If India decide to play two spinners, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar could all be competing for the remaining position. For Saransh Jain, this could mean a long wait for another Test opportunity.Also Read: Most Runs vs India In A 2-Match Test Series