New Zealand on Wednesday (October 9) included ace batter Kane Williamson in their squad for the upcoming Test tour of India, despite a lingering groin injury likely ruling him out for at least the first of three matches.

Williamson will delay travelling to India while he continues treatment for the injury, which he sustained during the tour of Sri Lanka last month.

Although the former captain is unlikely to feature in the series opener in Bengaluru on October 16, selector Sam Wells said he was "hopeful" the 34-year-old would return for the remaining two matches.

"The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury," Wells said in a New Zealand Cricket statement.

"We're hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan, Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour."

Williamson experienced groin discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, which New Zealand lost by an innings and 154 runs to concede the series 2-0.

Uncapped batter Mark Chapman has been named in the 16-man squad as cover for Williamson, whose absence would be a major blow for New Zealand's hopes against India.

Tom Latham will lead the Kiwi squad after Tim Southee stepped down as captain following the humiliating defeat in Sri Lanka.

Spinning allrounder Michael Bracewell is available for the first Test but will then return home for the birth of his child. He will be replaced by leg-spinner Ish Sodhi for the remaining matches in Pune and Mumbai.

New Zealand Squad:

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell (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 (second and third Tests only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young