India makes squad changes for its two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting in Wellington on November 19, 2026. The BCCI adds pacer Gurnoor Brar to the Test squad, while releasing spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Sources link the decision to expected pitch and playing conditions that favour seam and pace bowling.
Rishabh Pant also joins India’s Test squad ahead of the matches, after an earlier inability to play for India A due to recovery from a side strain. With Brar selected for the Tests, he is not available for India’s fifth and final ODI against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui. Several outlets note that India could field a stronger pace group, with fast-bowling options also including Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
Across outlets, the core facts are consistent: Brar comes in, Kuldeep goes out, and Pant is added. The main difference is the amount of background provided, such as how conditions might shape playing XI expectations and the schedule impact on the ODI.
