Gurnoor Brar Joins India's Test Squad for New Zealand Series

Gurnoor Brar has been added to India's Test squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, starting November 19. Kuldeep Yadav has been released to participate in domestic cricket. This strategic move comes as India prepares for the challenging conditions in New Zealand. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant has also rejoined the squad. Discover the full details of the updated squad and the implications for the players involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 14, 2026, 10:29 IST

India's Test Squad Update Ahead of New Zealand Series

On Saturday, Gurnoor Brar was officially included in India's squad for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, which is set to commence on November 19 in Wellington. Meanwhile, spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from the squad to gain more experience in domestic cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced, "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."

Due to his selection for the Test matches, Brar will miss the fifth and final ODI scheduled in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. Given the pace-friendly conditions expected in New Zealand, Kuldeep was unlikely to feature in the playing eleven for the two Test matches.

Additionally, wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant has rejoined the squad ahead of the match at the Basin Reserve, as confirmed by the BCCI.

The revised Test squad for India includes: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (Wicket-Keeper), Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, and Gurnoor Brar.