NZ vs IND 2026: Top 3 players to watch out for in Test series

Wellington and Christchurch will host a two-match Test series between New Zealand and India, with the opening game scheduled for November 19, 2026. The series also serves as India's final away assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.

India arrive having secured a 1-0 series win in Sri Lanka, keeping their WTC Final hopes alive, while New Zealand will be buoyed by recent white-ball form at home. Several players from both camps carry strong reasons to be watched closely across the two Tests.

Here are 3 players to watch out for in NZ vs IND Test series:

1. Akash Deep

Akash Deep returns to the Test side after a stress fracture in his back sidelined him for close to eight months. His last Test appearance before this series was against England at The Oval in August 2025, making this a comeback of more than a year. The Bengal pacer demonstrated his fitness during the Irani Cup in Srinagar, where he turned out for the Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir.

Before the injury disrupted his run, Deep had established himself as the preferred third seamer alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. With Gurnoor Brar also added to the squad following Kuldeep Yadav's release, India now carry six pace options, but Deep's experience at the highest level gives him a clear edge in the Test context.