Bumrah and Akash Deep Rejoin Indian Test Squad for New Zealand Series

Akash Deep has been reinstated to India's Test squad following an eight-month injury recovery, as the team prepares for the series against New Zealand. This decision reflects a focus on the World Test Championship campaign over the immediate ODI World Cup preparations.

Deep's selection comes after he demonstrated his fitness in recent domestic matches. He joins a 16-member Test squad that includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, while Rishabh Pant's inclusion remains contingent on his fitness.

The ODI squad has been structured to manage player workloads, with Shubman Gill set to lead the team in the first three ODIs before being replaced by Shreyas Iyer for the last two matches. The Test series is crucial for India's chances in the World Test Championship, requiring them to win a significant number of their remaining matches.