The Indian cricket team has made two significant changes to its squad ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. Young fast bowler Gurnur Brar has been added to the Test squad, while chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released to return home and participate in the ongoing domestic cricket tournament.

The Test series is scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19, 2026. Another positive development for India is the arrival of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has joined the squad in Wellington.

Gurnur Brar Earns Test Squad Call-Up After Impressive ODI Performances

Gurnur Brar's inclusion in the Test squad means he will miss the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand. The selection committee has not announced a replacement for him in the ODI squad.

Brar has impressed during the ongoing ODI series, picking up nine wickets in three matches. He is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series, and his performances have earned him an opportunity in the longer format.

Kuldeep Yadav Released After Difficult ODI Outing

Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, has been released from the Test squad to return to domestic cricket. He has featured in only one match in the ongoing ODI series.

His outing in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval proved particularly challenging. The spinner conceded 73 runs in eight overs without taking a wicket.

With Kuldeep returning home, India will look to its other bowling options for the upcoming 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

• Akashdeep

• Sai Sudarshan

• Nitish Kumar Reddy

• Washington Sundar

• Mohammed Siraj

• Gurnur Brar

India's Updated ODI Squad

• Shreyas Iyer (Captain)

• Rohit Sharma

• Virat Kohli

• Tilak Verma

• Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper/Vice-Captain)

• Axar Patel

• Naman Dheer

• Aaqib Nabi

• Ruturaj Gaikwad

• Arshdeep Singh

• Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper)

• Mohammed Siraj

• Yash Thakur

• Kuldeep Yadav

With Brar earning a Test call-up and Pant rejoining the squad, India will now turn its attention to the two-match series. The team will hope to make the most of its bowling depth and begin the Wellington Test on a strong note.