India vs New Zealand 2026 Test Series: India’s pace attack will play a very important role in the upcoming New Zealand Test series. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj look certain to be part of the squad, while Prasidh Krishna should also be in the group if he gets fit in time.

However, the bigger question is about the remaining spots. India have several fast-bowling options, and their recent performances, fitness and experience could all matter when the selectors pick the squad.

Two names have moved ahead of the others after strong performances in the Irani Cup. 

India vs New Zealand 2026 Tests: Bumrah, Siraj and Prasidh likely to lead the attack

If all three players are fit, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are the most likely fast bowlers to travel to New Zealand.

Bumrah will remain the leader of the attack. His ability to get movement, control the ball and bowl long spells will be very important in New Zealand conditions.

Siraj also has good experience in overseas Test cricket. He can attack with the new ball and keep the pressure on the batters for long periods.

Prasidh’s fitness will need attention. The tall pacer suffered a hamstring injury during the second ODI against West Indies and missed the final ODI. His place in the Test squad will depend on his recovery and fitness clearance.

If Prasidh becomes fully fit, these three could form the main part of India’s pace attack.

But India are unlikely to travel with only three specialist fast bowlers.

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Who are the other options for the India vs New Zealand Tests?

The New Zealand tour includes two Tests. India could take two more specialist pacers as backup options. Here are the options. 

Akash Deep

Akash Deep has made a strong case for a place in India’s New Zealand Test squad. The Bengal pacer returned to action in the Irani Cup after a long injury break and quickly made an impact. He took six wickets as Rest of India beat Jammu & Kashmir by 167 runs. You can check the full scorecard of the Irani Cup 2026 HERE. 

India already sees him as a good Test option. He has played Test cricket and can bowl long spells while getting movement from the pitch. He also has experience bowling with Bumrah and Siraj, which adds to his case.

Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar has also made a strong case for a place in India’s New Zealand Test squad. The Bengal pacer impressed in the Irani Cup final and took eight wickets in the match. He also played a key role in the second innings as Jammu & Kashmir collapsed while chasing 279 runs.

Mukesh can bowl with control and attack the stumps. He can also get movement from the pitch. He has international experience too, having played Tests, ODIs and T20Is for India. His strong Irani Cup showing came at the perfect time.

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Auqib Nabi

Auqib Nabi is another young fast-bowling option for India. The Jammu & Kashmir pacer has impressed in domestic cricket and recently entered the senior India setup. He also made his ODI debut against West Indies.

However, Nabi still needs more international experience. His first ODI did not go well, as the West Indies batters attacked him. Still, his domestic record remains strong. For a two-Test overseas tour, India may prefer bowlers with more experience. Nabi can remain an option because he has good pace and can take wickets regularly.

Gurnoor Brar

Gurnoor Brar gives India another option in the pace attack. The tall Punjab pacer can use his height to get extra bounce from the pitch. India have also given him international exposure in 2026, while he has been part of the wider red-ball setup.

His height could help in New Zealand, where fast bowlers can get movement and trouble batters. However, his recent international performances have not matched Akash Deep or Mukesh Kumar. Because of this, Brar may remain behind them in the race. For now, he looks more like a developing option.

Anshul Kamboj

Anshul Kamboj is another fast-bowling option for India. The Haryana seamer has made a name for himself in red-ball cricket and has an impressive domestic record. His biggest moment came in the Ranji Trophy when he became only the third bowler in the tournament’s history to take all 10 wickets in an innings.

Kamboj can also bat, which gives him extra value in a Test squad. He has played for India A and has some international experience. However, Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar look ahead of him right now.

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Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar are ahead

At the moment, Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar look like the two strongest candidates for the remaining fast-bowling spots.

The timing of their performances is a major reason.

Akash returned from injury and took six wickets in the Irani Cup. Mukesh took eight wickets in the same match and showed strong red-ball form.

Their performances could give India a five-man specialist pace group:

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar.

The final decision will depend on fitness reports and the selectors’ plans when they pick the squad.

Why could India need five fast bowlers?

The India vs New Zealand series will be a long one, as the team will play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests from October 22 to December 1.

The two Tests will be played at Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19 to 23 and Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

With such a long tour, India may need to manage the workload of their fast bowlers. The team has also faced several pace-bowling injuries recently. Prasidh’s latest hamstring injury shows how quickly the bowling plans can change.

Fitness will be a key part of the selection process.

Taking five specialist fast bowlers will give India more cover. If a bowler gets injured or needs rest, India will still have enough options.

If everyone is fit, Bumrah, Siraj and Prasidh should lead the attack, with Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar as the strongest backup options for the India vs New Zealand Tests.

What do you think? Who are the pacers that will go to New Zealand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. 

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