Gurnoor Brar joins India’s Test squad for the New Zealand series as Kuldeep Yadav returns to domestic cricket and Rishabh Pant reaches Wellington

New Delhi: India have added fast bowler Gurnoor Brar to their squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand, which begins on November 19. The BCCI announced the change on Saturday, November 14, and released spinner Kuldeep Yadav to play domestic cricket in India. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has joined the Indian squad in Wellington ahead of the opening Test.

Gurnoor Brar added to the Test squad

The BCCI’s Men’s Selection Committee has included Gurnoor Brar in India’s Test squad for the upcoming series. The 26-year-old right-arm fast bowler will now join the group as India prepare for two red-ball matches in New Zealand.

Brar’s inclusion comes after his recent performances in the ongoing ODI series. His ability to generate bounce and bowl fast offers another pace option to the Indian team.

The New Zealand conditions could also suit his bowling style, particularly on surfaces that offer movement and assistance to fast bowlers.

Kuldeep Yadav released for domestic cricket

The BCCI has also released Kuldeep Yadav from the Test squad so he can return to domestic cricket in India. According to IANS, the left-arm wrist-spinner will link up with Uttar Pradesh.

Kuldeep, 31, last played a Test against South Africa in November 2025. India’s selection decision also reflects the conditions they could encounter in New Zealand.

Pace-friendly conditions refer to pitches that offer fast bowlers extra movement, bounce or assistance through the air. Such surfaces can make life difficult for batters and encourage teams to use more seam and pace options.

Kuldeep was not expected to feature in India’s playing eleven for the two Tests, given the conditions. However, his release gives him an opportunity to return to domestic cricket and gain match time.

Pant joins in Wellington

Rishabh Pant has joined the Indian squad in Wellington. The wicketkeeper-batter had earned places in both India’s Test squad and the India A squad for the four-day matches against New Zealand A, subject to fitness clearance.

His arrival adds another wicketkeeping option alongside Dhruv Jurel. Pant’s presence also strengthens India’s batting resources ahead of the opening Test.

The updated squad

Following Brar’s inclusion and Kuldeep’s release, India have retained a 16-member squad for the two-Test series.

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.

Who is Gurnoor Brar?

Gurnoor Singh Brar was born on May 25, 2000, in Muktsar, Punjab. The 26-year-old right-arm fast bowler stands around six feet five inches tall and represents Punjab in domestic cricket.

He made his first-class debut for Punjab on December 14, 2022. Although he has yet to earn a Test cap, he has gained attention through his performances in domestic and international cricket.

Brar produced an impressive spell in the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington on November 7. He claimed four wickets for 30 runs as India secured a four-run victory through the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected match.

That performance offered another indication of his ability to trouble batters with pace and bounce.

The fifth ODI without him

Brar will miss India’s fifth and final ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, November 15.

The fast bowler’s addition to the Test squad means he will not feature in the final match of the ongoing white-ball series. The BCCI has not named a replacement for him in the ODI squad.

India will look to complete the five-match ODI assignment before turning their attention to the longer format.

The Tests ahead

India will begin the two-Test series at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19. The second Test will take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

Both matches form part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. The WTC cycle is the two-year competition in which Test-playing nations earn points across bilateral series to qualify for the championship final.

The New Zealand tour will therefore carry importance for India’s position in the ongoing championship.

What the change signals

Brar’s inclusion gives India another fast-bowling option for conditions that could favour pace. Kuldeep’s release, meanwhile, allows him to return to domestic cricket rather than remain with the Test group without an expected role.

Pant’s arrival also adds to India’s preparations ahead of the first Test in Wellington.