Major and crucial changes have been made to the Indian cricket team squad ahead of the upcoming Test series on the New Zealand tour. In light of these adjustments, the selection committee has announced its decisions keeping team balance in mind, reflecting strategic preparations for the upcoming series. The two-match Test series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin from November 19, 2026, in Wellington. For this important series, young and talented fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has been officially included in the Indian Test team, providing further strength to the team's fast bowling attack.
Kuldeep Yadav Released From Test Squad
On the other hand, Chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been completely released from the Test squad. Kuldeep Yadav has been freed from the team so that he can return home and participate in the ongoing domestic cricket tournaments to regain his match fitness and bowling rhythm. So far on this tour, Kuldeep Yadav got the opportunity to play only a single match in the ODI series, where his performance was extremely disappointing and he completely failed to leave any mark.
Poor Performance by Kuldeep in Fourth ODI
Kuldeep Yadav was included in the playing 11 of the Indian team for the fourth ODI match of this tour played at Bay Oval. However, in that match, Kuldeep Yadav proved to be completely flop. He bowled a total of 8 overs in that game and conceded a massive 73 runs without managing to pick up a single wicket. Ever since this expensive spell, discussions regarding his current form had begun, following which he has now been given the opportunity to return to domestic cricket.
Gurnoor Brar Ruled Out of Fifth ODI
Due to his sudden inclusion in the Test squad, young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has now directly joined the other members of the Test team. Because of this, he won't be available and won't be a part of the Indian team for the fifth and final ODI encounter against New Zealand. The Indian selection committee has not announced any replacement player for Gurnoor Brar for this final ODI, meaning the team will take the field with the currently available players.
Impressive ODI Performance by Gurnoor Brar
This entire tour of New Zealand has been personally magnificent and successful for Gurnoor Brar. Exhibiting his bowling brilliance in the 3 ODI matches played on this tour, he has taken a total of 9 wickets under his belt. Riding on this stellar performance, he's currently the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing ODI series. Looking at his impressive form and impact, the selectors took the major decision of promoting him to the Test team.
Relief for Team India With Rishabh Pant Return
Meanwhile, another very encouraging and joyful piece of news has emerged for the Indian cricket team. Star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has finally arrived in Wellington after long discussions and travel, joining the Test squad directly. The inclusion of Rishabh Pant will bring immense strength to the Indian batting order and wicketkeeping department, Importantly boosting the team morale for the upcoming Test series.
India Updated Test Squad
The updated squad of the Indian team announced by the BCCI for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand is as follows:
- 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
- Gurnoor Brar
India Updated ODI Squad
The updated squad of the Indian team for the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand is as follows:
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Tilak Varma
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper/ Vice-Captain)
- Axar Patel
- Naman Dhir
- Aqib Nabi
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper)
- Mohammed Siraj
- Yash Thakur
- Kuldeep Yadav