Hardik Pandya has moved from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore. In return, PBKS have traded fast bowler Arshdeep Singh to Mumbai Indians. The trade has been completed ahead of the 2027 IPL season. Pandya's new fee of Rs 18 crore is higher than his earlier fee of Rs 16.35 crore.

Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, have signed the left-arm fast bowler in exchange for their captain Hardik Pandya, who will now play for Punjab Kings. Arshdeep shared his first message after joining Mumbai Indians in a video posted by the franchise on social media.

Rawalpindi is already hosting the first Test of the series. The second match will also be played at the same venue from November 17 to 21. The dates have not been changed.

India will play the fourth and fifth ODIs at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15. The two-match Test series will begin on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The team will have a change in leadership for the final two ODIs. Shreyas Iyer will captain India after Shubman Gill led the side in the first three matches.

The move brings an end to Hardik Pandya's second stint with Mumbai Indians. He won four IPL titles with the franchise. Pandya first joined MI in 2015 and played an important role in their title wins in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 with his performances with both bat and ball. He returned to the team in 2024 and took over as captain from Rohit Sharma. In 162 IPL matches, Pandya has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28. He has also taken 82 wickets.

Lee Fortis had also been in the news in 2025 after an argument with India head coach Gautam Gambhir. The two had a disagreement over the Oval pitch. During the exchange, Gambhir told Fortis: "You’re just a groundsman, nothing beyond that." India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later called Fortis "arrogant".

Usman Khawaja has canceled his remaining media interviews to promote his autobiography, Sabr. His decision follows a challenging interview with Sarah Ferguson where he faced questions about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Khawaja expressed concerns that future discussions would mainly revolve around this controversy rather than other aspects of his book. He emphasized the need for the entire team to accept accountability for the incident.

The opening Test of the two-match series will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19. The second match will take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27. Tom Latham will lead the New Zealand side.

Anshul Kamboj has been highlighted by Ravi Shastri as a key player for India's upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Kamboj showed promise in ODIs despite a difficult Test debut, earning his place in the squad. Shastri emphasizes Kamboj's ability to bowl long spells and support teammates during challenging conditions. His capacity to move the ball and surprise batters strengthens India's fast bowling unit.