NEW DELHI: Pacer Gurnoor Brar was on Saturday added to India’s squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand, beginning November 19 in Wellington, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav was released to play domestic cricket.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the changes in a statement, confirming Brar’s inclusion in the squad for the two-match series.
"The Men’s Selection Committee has added Gurnoor Brar to the Indian squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting November 19, 2026 in Wellington," the BCCI said.
"Kuldeep Yadav will be released from the Test squad in order to play the ongoing domestic cricket back in India," it added.
Brar’s inclusion means he will miss the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand, scheduled to be played in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.
Kuldeep was unlikely to feature in the playing XI for the Test matches, with the conditions in New Zealand expected to favour fast bowlers.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also joined the Indian squad ahead of the first Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, the BCCI said.
India’s updated Test squad
Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar.
(With inputs from media reports)