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Pujara predicts India's playing XI for 1st Test against New Zealand with four pacers

Cheteshwar Pujara has proposed a pace-heavy lineup for India's opening Test against New Zealand, scheduled for November 19-23, 2026. His selection features four frontline fast bowlers and Ravindra Jadeja as the lone specialist spinner, a strategy tailored for the conditions at the Cello Basin Reserve.

Pujara advocates for Devdutt Padikkal to bat at number three, following the left-hander's recent century-scoring form in Sri Lanka, while KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are tipped to open the batting under captain Shubman Gill. Rishabh Pant is included in the predicted XI, though his participation remains contingent on passing fitness assessments.

The proposed side also utilizes Nitish Kumar Reddy as an all-rounder to provide a fifth bowling option, while Dhruv Jurel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna round out the remainder of the squad.

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