In a considerable blow to the squad, prominent batsman Kane Williamson will postpone his trip to India due to a groin injury. Williamson felt discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will need some time for rehabilitation before he can rejoin the team. In his absence, uncapped player Mark Chapman has been summoned as his replacement. Tom Latham is set to take the helm as the full-time Test captain for the very first time, stepping into the role after Tim Southee resigned following a recent 2-0 series loss in Sri Lanka. Sam Wells, New Zealand's chooser, commented on Williamson's situation, stating that the choice was made to prevent further harm. He expressed hope about Williamson's recovery and potential availability for later parts of the trip. "The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and recover now rather than risk worsening the injury. We're hopeful that if the recovery goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the trip," Wells said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. The squad will see some change during the series. Michael Bracewell will only be available for the first Test in Bengaluru before returning home for the birth of his second child. Ish Sodhi will replace Bracewell for the remaining Tests, providing an additional spin choice. The composition of the team has remained the same as it was during the previous Test series against Sri Lanka. Rangana Herath, a former spinner from Sri Lanka, will be joining the New Zealand squad as the spin-bowling coach. Following the initial Test in Bengaluru, the team will head to Pune for the second match, which is scheduled to commence on October 24th. The concluding Test will take place at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 1st. Here is the New Zealand team for the three-match Test series against India: Tom Latham (captain) Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper) Michael Bracewell (participating in the first Test only) Mark Chapman Devon Conway Matt Henry Daryl Mitchell Will O'Rourke Ajaz Patel Glenn Phillips Rachin Ravindra Mitchell Santner Ben Sears Ish Sodhi (available for the second and third Tests only) Tim Southee Kane Williamson Will Young