India have made a significant change to their squad ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, adding fast bowler Gurnoor Brar while releasing left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the developments on Saturday, November 14, as the team prepares for the opening Test in Wellington.
Gurnoor will join the Indian Test squad in Wellington and, consequently, will not be available for the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand. The selectors have confirmed that no replacement will be named for the series decider.
Kuldeep, meanwhile, will return to India after the fifth ODI to participate in domestic cricket. His release from the Test squad means India will have to rely on their other spin-bowling options for the upcoming red-ball series.
The latest changes come as India look to finalise their preparations for an important overseas assignment under captain Shubman Gill.
Gurnoor Brar Gets Opportunity in India’s Test Squad
The inclusion of Gurnoor Brar adds another fast-bowling option to India’s squad ahead of the New Zealand series. Although the right-arm pacer is yet to make his Test debut, he has already gained valuable experience in international cricket.
Gurnoor has represented India in 13 One Day Internationals, claiming 23 wickets. His best ODI bowling figures of 4/30 came during the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington.
His performances in first-class cricket have also been impressive. Across 22 matches, the fast bowler has taken 71 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. These numbers highlight his ability to deliver consistent performances in the longer format.
His addition provides India with greater depth in the pace department, particularly with the team preparing to play two Test matches away from home.
Gurnoor will now have an opportunity to work alongside some of India’s leading fast bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. Although a Test debut is not guaranteed, his inclusion indicates that the team management wants additional pace resources for the series.
Kuldeep Yadav Released to Play Domestic Cricket
Kuldeep Yadav’s release is another important development in India’s squad selection. The left-arm wrist-spinner will return to India after the fifth ODI and resume his participation in domestic cricket.
His recent performances across formats have been mixed. Kuldeep picked up three wickets in the Test against Afghanistan in June but managed only one wicket across two innings in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
More recently, he went wicketless in the fourth ODI against New Zealand, conceding 73 runs in his eight overs.
His release leaves India with two frontline spin-bowling options in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Both players are expected to play important roles in the upcoming Test series, particularly in controlling the middle overs and providing breakthroughs.
Jadeja’s experience and all-round abilities make him a valuable asset, while Sundar offers additional flexibility with his off-spin and batting contributions.
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Rishabh Pant Joins Indian Test Squad in Wellington
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also joined the Indian Test squad in Wellington after receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence on November 12.
Pant had suffered a side strain while leading Rest of India in the Irani Cup in early October. He subsequently underwent rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence before completing the required fitness and simulation assessments.
His return is a major boost for India ahead of the two-match series. Pant’s aggressive batting approach, experience and ability to change the momentum of a Test match make him an important member of the squad.
He will compete for the wicketkeeper’s role alongside Dhruv Jurel, giving the team management additional options behind the stumps.
India’s Updated Test Squad for New Zealand Series
India’s updated 16-member squad for the two-Test series will be led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul appointed vice-captain.
The squad includes a combination of experienced international players, promising young cricketers and specialist bowling options.
India Test Squad:
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul (Vice-Captain)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rishabh Pant
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Sai Sudharsan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Gurnoor Brar
India Squad for Fifth ODI Against New Zealand
With Gurnoor Brar joining the Test squad, he will miss the fifth and final ODI. The BCCI has confirmed that no replacement will be added for the remaining match.
Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the series decider, while Ishan Kishan has been named vice-captain.
India ODI Squad:
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Tilak Varma
- Ishan Kishan (Vice-Captain)
- Axar Patel
- Naman Dhir
- Auqib Nabi
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kumar Kushagra
- Mohammed Siraj
- Yash Thakur
- Kuldeep Yadav
India vs New Zealand Test Series Schedule
The two-match Test series will begin on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second and final Test will be played in Christchurch from November 27.
The series will be an important challenge for Shubman Gill’s team as India look to deliver strong performances in overseas conditions.
With Gurnoor Brar strengthening the pace attack and Rishabh Pant returning to full fitness, India have received two positive developments ahead of the opening match. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s release means the team’s spin-bowling resources will be relatively limited, placing additional responsibility on Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
The Indian management will now focus on final preparations, team combinations and adapting to New Zealand’s conditions as the visitors prepare for the opening Test in Wellington.