Overview
- The BCCI confirmed on Saturday, November 14, 2026 that Gurnoor Brar has been added to India’s 16‑man squad for the two‑match Test series that begins in Wellington on November 19, 2026.
- Brar will join the Test camp in Wellington and therefore will not be available for the fifth ODI at Bay Oval on November 15, with India opting not to name a replacement for that match.
- Left‑arm wrist‑spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from the Test squad to return to Uttar Pradesh and play domestic cricket because selectors did not expect him to feature on expected pace‑friendly surfaces.
- Rishabh Pant has linked up with the Test squad in Wellington after recovering from a side strain, leaving India with two frontline spin options in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for the series.
- Brar earned the call after strong ODI form on the tour, taking nine wickets in three games including a career‑best 4/30 in the second ODI, and his inclusion strengthens India’s pace battery ahead of World Test Championship‑linked fixtures.