NZ vs IND 2026: Top 3 players to watch out for in Test series
With the two-match Test series kicking off on November 19, these three players could prove decisive across Wellington and Christchurch.
2. Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal heads into this series on the back of a remarkable run in Sri Lanka, where he struck two centuries batting at number three. He reached three figures for the first time in international cricket on August 15, 2026, during the first Test at Galle, finishing on 167 off 134 balls as India won. He followed that with 117 in the second Test at SSC Colombo on August 23, 2026, a match that ended in a draw.
Batting coach Sanjay Bangar noted that Padikkal's contributions at number three had addressed several concerns in India's batting order. The 26-year-old retained his place in the squad for New Zealand on the strength of that Sri Lanka showing and will be expected to hold his position alongside Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the top.
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