India Make Changes to Test Squad: Kuldeep Yadav Released, Gurnoor Brar Gets Opportunity

India have made changes to their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, with fast bowler Gurnoor Brar earning a place in the team. The BCCI selection committee has released chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who will now feature in domestic matches. Brar, who is currently part of India's ODI squad on the New Zealand tour, will join the Test team and miss the fifth and final ODI scheduled to be played in Mount Maunganui on November 15. No replacement has been named for him in the ODI squad. Brar has taken 23 wickets in 13 ODIs for India and is set to make his Test debut.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also returned to training with the Test squad in Wellington. He and Dhruv Jurel are expected to share wicketkeeping responsibilities during the series. Shubman Gill will lead the Indian team, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain. Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy are among the all-rounders in the squad. The first Test will begin on November 19 at Basin Reserve in Wellington, while the second is scheduled to start on November 27 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. With New Zealand pitches generally offering assistance to fast bowlers, Brar's inclusion is expected to strengthen India's pace attack. The series is also important for India to improve their position in the World Test Championship standings.