Indian born Jeet Raval has been picked in New Zealand’s team for the upcoming tours of neighboring countries Zimbabwe and South Africa. Jeet was born on September 22 in 1998 in state of Gujarat. His family moved to New Zealand in the year 2004.

The 27-year-old handed batsman opens batting for Auckland and was in superb form in Plunket shield as he piled up 780 runs at an average of 55.71 which includes two centuries and a double century.

Also Read : Top 10 facts about Jeet Raval – Indian born cricketer who will play for New Zealand

Along with him leg spinner Ish Sodhi who had a superb T20 World cup has also earned a recall in the test team. Well to take a note Sodhi is too of Indian origin as he was born in Ludhina. He has already played 11 test matches for his team and has scalped 27 wickets. Raval is the only uncapped player in the team.

The New Zealand coach Mike Hesson showered praises on Jeet as he said “Jeet has been impressive in the Plunket Shield for a number of years now and in the last 12 months we’ve seen his maturity and decision making continue to improve,”

“He’s learnt to adapt to conditions and has performed well for New Zealand A, so we believe he’s more than ready to make the step up to the international arena”. Hesson added.

Speaking on Sodhi he said “Ish was outstanding in all formats during the second half of last season, beginning with his performances in the Plunket Shield for Northern Districts. He was also exceptional for us with the white ball last summer and that’s seen him gain valuable confidence on the international stage.”

The squad will depart on July 11 and will undergo an eight day training camp in Johannesburg and then will be heading to Harare to kick off the tour with first Test against Zimbabwe which begins on July 29.

New Zealand Test squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill.