Ishan Kishan could be in line for a surprise return to India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand. The wicketkeeper-batter is not guaranteed a place yet, but his recent run of form has reportedly put him firmly on the selectors’ radar ahead of the squad selection meeting expected this week.

The biggest question surrounding Kishan’s potential inclusion will be the presence of Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. Both wicketkeepers featured in India’s last five Tests and made valuable contributions, which means selecting a third wicketkeeper-batter could appear unnecessary.

However, there is growing support within the Indian team management for Kishan to be considered. His recent performances have strengthened his case, particularly after an outstanding campaign in the Duleep Trophy.

Ishan Kishan Makes Strong Red-Ball Case

Kishan has played only two Tests for India, with his most recent appearance coming more than three years ago. Since then, his international career has largely been associated with limited-overs cricket.

His recent performances in domestic red-ball cricket, however, have brought his Test credentials back into focus.

Leading East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, Kishan produced a spectacular performance in the final against South Zone. He scored 270 in the first innings before following it up with an 80 in the second, helping East Zone secure the title.

Across three matches in the tournament, Kishan accumulated 409 runs at an average of more than 100. His performance in the final earned him the Player of the Match award and provided a timely reminder of his ability to make an impact in the longer format.

His batting form has not been restricted to red-ball cricket either.

Kishan has enjoyed an outstanding year in T20 cricket and has emerged as India’s leading run-scorer in T20Is in 2026, crossing the 1,000-run mark with 1,005 runs.

The combination of his domestic red-ball form and impressive white-ball performances has therefore made his possible Test recall an interesting selection issue.

Three Wicketkeepers Could Be in the Mix

The selectors now have a complicated decision to make regarding the wicketkeeping options.

Rishabh Pant remains the first-choice name for many because of his record and match-winning ability in Test cricket. Dhruv Jurel has also established himself as a dependable option and was part of India’s recent Test campaigns.

Adding Kishan to the squad would give India three wicketkeeper-batters, although Kishan’s ability to contribute primarily as a batter could make the situation easier to manage.

In fact, Kishan has frequently been used as a specialist batter in white-ball cricket despite his wicketkeeping skills. That could provide the team management with the flexibility to include him without necessarily viewing his selection solely through the wicketkeeping lens.

The selectors will ultimately have to determine whether his recent form warrants adding another batter to an already competitive squad.

Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar in Pace Race

The wicketkeeping debate is not the only selection battle expected ahead of the New Zealand tour. India also have several fast bowlers competing for places.

Akash Deep is considered an important option for New Zealand conditions, where movement and seam could make pace bowling particularly valuable during the two Tests.

Mukesh Kumar has also strengthened his case after producing a match-winning performance for Rest of India in the Irani Cup. The Bengal pacer played a major role in the victory and had also impressed during the Duleep Trophy, taking 12 wickets in three matches for East Zone.

His recent form could put him firmly in contention for the Test squad.

Harshit Rana Provides Another Option

Harshit Rana has reportedly resumed bowling at the Centre of Excellence, although his exact fitness status remains unclear.

His availability could further complicate the pace-bowling selection. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar are among the names expected to be in contention, while Prasidh Krishna’s situation is also said to be improving.

That leaves the selectors with several possibilities as they prepare the squad for New Zealand.

A number of players who were part of India’s Test tour of England last year under captain Shubman Gill are also expected to remain in contention, provided they are fit and available.

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Selection Meeting to Decide Kishan’s Future

The national selection committee is expected to meet this week to finalise India’s squad for the New Zealand Tests. Kishan’s recent performances mean his name is likely to be one of the major talking points.

His two-Test career appeared to have stalled after his last appearance more than three years ago. But the Duleep Trophy has changed the conversation considerably.

A 270 followed by an 80 in a title-winning final, combined with more than 400 runs in the tournament, is difficult to overlook. Whether that is enough to break into a squad already containing Pant and Jurel remains to be seen.

For now, Kishan appears to have done everything possible on the domestic circuit to put himself back into Test contention. The final decision will rest with the selectors, but his recent red-ball resurgence has certainly made the wicketkeeper-batter one of the most interesting names to watch ahead of India’s New Zealand tour.