India Tweaks Test Squad: Pacer Replaces Spinner vs Kiwis
Spinner Kuldeep Yadav released from Test squad, pace bowler Gurnoor Brar included for series against New Zealand. Rishabh Pant declared fit. 🏏
The Cliff News | 14 November 2026
The Indian Test squad facing New Zealand has seen a significant change with the release of spinner Kuldeep Yadav and the inclusion of fast bowler Gurnoor Brar. This strategic move signals a potential shift in approach for the upcoming Test series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kuldeep Yadav will be released from the Test squad. This decision is to allow him to participate in the ongoing domestic cricket matches back in India, suggesting a focus on his preparation for future opportunities or a need for him to regain match fitness in a familiar environment.
Brar Joins Test Squad
Gurnoor Brar's inclusion sees him link up with the Test squad in Wellington. Consequently, Brar will miss the final One Day International (ODI) against the Black Caps, a series India currently leads 2-1 heading into the fifth and final match. This substitution highlights the team management's intent to bolster the pace-bowling attack for the Test encounters.
Pant Declared Fit
In encouraging news for the Indian camp, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been declared fit and has now joined the Test squad in Wellington. Pant's inclusion was initially subject to his fitness clearance. After an extensive rehabilitation period at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, he has successfully met the required fitness standards, adding a key player back into the mix.
Updated Test Squad
India's updated Test squad for the series against New Zealand is as follows:
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rishabh Pant
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Sai Sudharsan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Gurnoor Brar
The move to prioritize pace with Brar's inclusion while releasing Yadav underscores the tactical considerations for the Test series, aiming to adapt to conditions and exploit the opposition's weaknesses. Pant's return to fitness is a significant boost, providing much-needed depth and dynamism to India's batting lineup.