Dhruv Jurel named captain of India A for New Zealand multi-day series

Dhruv Jurel has been named captain of India A for the upcoming multi-day series against New Zealand A. The wicketkeeper-batter will lead a 15-member squad across three four-day matches scheduled in New Zealand in October and November 2026.

The BCCI confirmed the squad on October 6, 2026. Rishabh Pant, also a wicketkeeper-batter, has been included in the group subject to fitness. His availability will be assessed closer to the series, with Jurel set to lead regardless of whether Pant is cleared to play.

The series provides India's red-ball fringe players a platform to press their case for senior selection, with a mix of established international names and emerging talent in the squad.

When and where will India A's three multi-day matches be played?

India A's three multi-day matches are spread across two venues in New Zealand's South Island. The first match runs from October 24 to 27 at Lincoln. The second match follows from October 31 to November 3 in Christchurch. The third and final match returns to Lincoln from November 7 to 10.

Both Lincoln and Christchurch are situated in the Canterbury region. The schedule keeps the squad within a compact geographic area, with all three matches completed before the end of the second week of November 2026.

Which players have been selected in the India A squad?

The squad features several players with senior India caps alongside those pushing for a first call-up at that level. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are named at the top of the order, with Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudarsan providing additional batting depth in the middle order. Washington Sundar adds all-round value with bat and ball.

The pace attack includes Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Anshul Kamboj and Mukesh Choudhary, giving the side four seam options suited to New Zealand conditions. Spin options come from Auqib Nabi and Manav Suthar, while Ravichandran Smaran and Yash Rathod complete the batting resources. The selection reflects a deliberate balance between players with Test experience and those seeking to establish themselves in four-day conditions.

India A full squad for New Zealand multi-day series

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Rishabh Pant (WK, subject to fitness), Dhruv Jurel (C, WK), Washington Sundar, Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, Mukesh Choudhary, Sai Sudarsan, Yash Rathod, Mukesh Kumar.