Gurnoor Brar added to Test squad, Kuldeep released as India go heavier on pace
Fast bowler replaces Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Wellington Test starting November 19, 2026
Quick Look
- Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has been added to India's Test squad for the two-match series against New Zealand starting November 19, 2026 in Wellington, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav was released to play domestic cricket.
- Brar will miss the fifth ODI on Sunday.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
India is touring New Zealand for a two-Test series starting November 19, 2026 in Wellington, followed by a second Test in Christchurch starting November 27. The fifth ODI between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Sunday at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
As first reported by TimesofIndia.com, fast bowler Gurnoor Brar was added to India's squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand on Saturday, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav was released to play domestic cricket. The two-Test series begins in Wellington on November 19. Gurnoor will join the Indian squad in Wellington and, as a result, will miss the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand on Sunday. The BCCI has confirmed that India will not name a replacement for him for the match. Kuldeep, meanwhile, will return to India after the fifth ODI to take part in domestic cricket. "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. "Kuldeep Yadav will be released from the Test squad in order to play the ongoing domestic cricket back in India," said the BCCI in a statement. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also joined the Indian squad ahead of the fifth ODI at the Basin Reserve, the BCCI added. Gurnoor is yet to make his Test debut but has represented India in 13 ODIs, taking 23 wickets. His best figures of 4/30 came in the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington. In 22 first-class matches, he has picked up 71 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. His inclusion adds another pace option to India's squad for the Test series. Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Anshul Kamboj, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj are the other specialist fast bowlers, while Nitish Kumar Reddy provides an additional option as an all-rounder.
Kuldeep's release leaves India with two frontline spin options in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. With the conditions expected to favour fast bowlers, Kuldeep was not expected to feature in the playing XI for either of the two Tests. The first Test will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19, while the second match is scheduled to begin in Christchurch on November 27.
India's updated Test squad: Shubman Gill [C], Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul [VC], Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant [WK], Dhruv Jurel [WK], Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar
India's updated ODI squad for the fifth ODI: Shreyas Iyer [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan [WK, VC], Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra [WK], Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Gurnoor Brar will join the Indian squad in Wellington for the first Test
Very likely · Within days
Kuldeep Yadav will return to India after the fifth ODI to play domestic cricket
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Whether Gurnoor Brar will make his Test debut in the first match
- Whether Kuldeep Yadav will be available for future Test matches
