Gurnoor Brar added to India Test squad as Kuldeep Yadav is released

India's Men's Selection Committee confirmed on 14 November 2026 that Gurnoor Brar has been added to the squad for the two‑match Test series in New Zealand which starts on 19 November, while Kuldeep Yadav has been released to play ongoing domestic fixtures in India. The BCCI said Brar will join the touring party in Wellington and will not be available for India's fifth ODI, for which no replacement will be named.

Brar's inclusion boosts the travelling seam resources and gives the selectors an extra pace option alongside the established pace group in the squad. With Kuldeep no longer part of the touring group, India now carry fewer specialist spin options in New Zealand, where the squad still lists Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar among the spin resources.

The change shifts the immediate selection picture towards a seam‑heavy attack for the upcoming Test at Wellington, increasing flexibility to pick an additional seamer or an extra batter depending on the pitch. Releasing Kuldeep also ensures he can get playing time in domestic competition, while India travel with the updated squad named by the BCCI.