# India’s New Zealand Tour: Squad Shifts Signal World Cup Prep

> India’s ODI and Test squads for New Zealand tour reveal strategic shifts ahead of 2027 World Cup.
- Title: India’s New Zealand Tour: Squad Shifts Signal World Cup Prep
- Summary: India’s ODI and Test squads for New Zealand tour reveal strategic shifts ahead of 2027 World Cup. India’s selectors prioritize World Test Championship…
- Keywords: india, new zealand, world cup 2027, world test championship, odi squad, test squad, bhuveshwar kumar, jadeja, axar patel, kushagra, sports, Zealand
- Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/india-new-zealand-tour-2026-squad-selection-analysis/article71595569.ece
- Author: Sahil Mathur
- Published: 2026-10-17T06:56:14+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: india, new zealand, world cup 2027, world test championship, odi squad, test squad, bhuveshwar kumar, jadeja, axar patel, kushagra, sports
## India’s New Zealand Tour Begins
India’s tour of New Zealand starts October 22 with five T20Is, five ODIs, two Tests and three multi-day ‘A’ games.
## Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns After Four Years
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 36, returns to international cricket after nearly four years away following injury.
## ODI Squad Split for Test Priority
India splits ODI squad with Shreyas Iyer as captain for first three matches before Test series.
## Jadeja Omitted from ODI Squads
Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 99 runs and three wickets in eight games, is excluded from ODI squads.
## Axar Patel Replaces Jadeja in ODI Squads
Axar Patel takes over Jadeja’s role in ODI squads while focusing on both formats.
## Kushagra’s Maiden Call-Up
Kushagra earns his first international call-up after scoring 1,387 runs in 35 List A innings.
## Shami and Suthar Omitted from Squads
Mohammed Shami and Manav Suthar are left out of all squads despite recent performances.
## Kuldeep Yadav Across All Formats
Kuldeep Yadav plays in all formats and games, testing his workload across the tour.
## Yashasvi Jaiswal Focuses on Red-Ball
Yashasvi Jaiswal is asked to focus on red-ball cricket before joining the Test squad.
## Kushagra’s Dual Role in Tour
Kushagra plays two ‘A’ games before joining the Test squad for the final two ODIs.
## Kuldeep’s Spin Strategy for Tests
Kuldeep Yadav is expected to play a key role in Tests with recent County Championship experience.
## Suthar’s Omission Surprising
Suthar’s omission is surprising given his 23 wickets in Tests and ability to generate drift and dip.
## Kushagra’s IPL Experience
Kushagra has played for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, adding to his international profile.
## India’s World Cup Qualification at Stake
India’s qualification for the World Test Championship final hangs in the balance during this tour.
## Key takeaway

India’s selectors prioritize World Test Championship qualification by splitting squads for New Zealand tour.