India vs New Zealand Tests: 4 takeaways from India A’s tour

India A’s series against New Zealand A offered key pointers ahead of the senior Tests, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel making strong cases.

Updated : Nov 10, 2026 08:54 IST , Chennai - 4 MINS READ

India A’s three unofficial Tests against New Zealand A provided useful insights into the form and readiness of several players, while also throwing up a few selection dilemmas for the team management ahead of the senior side’s two-Test series. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

With the three-match unofficial Test series between India A and New Zealand A ending in a 0-0 draw on Tuesday, attention now turns to the two-Test series between the senior sides. With valuable World Test Championship points at stake, both teams will be keen to make a strong start to the contest, which begins in Wellington on November 19.

India would have ideally wanted Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna to get more overs under their belts as they work their way back from injuries. Nevertheless, the A-team fixtures offered several useful pointers. Here are the key takeaways for the Indian team management ahead of the red-ball series.

Jaiswal rediscovers his touch

There was considerable focus on Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of the tour of New Zealand. The left-handed opener endured a modest series in Sri Lanka, failing to register a single half-century.

He had also struggled on the tour of South Africa, averaging just 12.5, prompting questions about how he would fare in New Zealand’s pace-friendly conditions.

However, back-to-back centuries for India A have gone some way towards easing those concerns. The 24-year-old will be central to India’s plans at the top of the order, with his ability to take the attack to the Kiwi pacers likely to be crucial.

The battle for No. 3

With B. Sai Sudharsan missing the Sri Lanka tour through injury, Devdutt Padikkal seized his opportunity, scoring centuries in both matches to move ahead in the race for the India No. 3 spot.

There was no hundred against Australia A in Puducherry, but the left-hander made up for it with a mammoth 199 in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A, followed by another half-century in the next game.

Sai Sudharsan, meanwhile, has also made a strong case for himself in the ‘A’ series, scoring 91 and 88 in the final two matches. The contest for the No. 3 spot has reached a point where leaving either batter out would be a difficult call.

Could India accommodate both in the XI, particularly if Rishabh Pant is not fit in time? That is a selection conundrum the team management will have to consider.

Kamboj strengthens his case

For some, Anshul Kamboj’s inclusion in the Test squad for New Zealand might have come as a surprise. He endured a difficult debut against England last year and was expensive on his ODI debut against the West Indies.

However, the 25-year-old made a strong impression on the shadow tour, particularly with the ball. He picked up 3/52 in the first innings of the opening tour game before joining the ODI squad, where he returned impressive figures of 2/22 and 2/25. The Haryana pacer consistently hit a nagging length, displaying the discipline and control needed to keep batters in check.

While his 23 off 36 balls in the tour game offered a glimpse of his batting ability, it is his bowling that makes him an appealing option. His ability to contribute useful runs down the order is an added bonus and could strengthen his case for a place at No. 8 in the Test XI.

The wicketkeeper question

With Pant yet to return to competitive cricket since sustaining a muscle strain midway through the Irani Trophy final, India might have to turn to Dhruv Jurel to take over the wicketkeeping duties.

There is also a case for Jurel to feature in the XI as a specialist batter, strengthened by a fighting hundred in the second unofficial Test. He followed it up with another impressive contribution of 71 in the third game of the tour.

In 12 Tests, Jurel has scored 651 runs at an average of 40.68, including two centuries and two half-centuries. If Pant is not cleared to play the first Test, India could accommodate both Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the XI, adding another dimension to its bowling attack. Much, however, will depend on the conditions in Wellington and how India chooses to balance its pace attack.