NZ vs IND: Gurnoor Brar replaces Kuldeep Yadav in India's Test squad

Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has replaced Kuldeep Yadav in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, beginning on November 19. Brar will link up with the members of the Test squad and will not be available for the fifth ODI of the ongoing series against the same opposition, scheduled for Sunday, November 15.

Brar has had a terrific ODI series, being the highest wicket-taker across both teams, having taken nine scalps from three innings with best figures of 4/30.

With Brar joining the team, India now have six frontline pacers in the Test squad, namely Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Anshul Kamboj, Akash Deep, as well as all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

On the other hand, Kuldeep has been released from the squad to play the ongoing domestic cricket in India. With him out, India now have just two spin options in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

Rishabh Pant joins Test squad in Wellington

Wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant has also been given clearance by the BCCI Medical staff after recovering from the side strain that had kept him out of action. He has joined the rest of the squad to prepare for the Test series in Wellington.

Meanwhile, the selection committee hasn’t named a replacement for Brar for the fifth ODI in Mount Maunganui. Mohammed Siraj, who’s yet to play a match on the tour, will be in contention to replace him in the team.

India's updated squad for the two Tests in New Zealand: Shubman Gill (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-capt), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, B Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar

India’s updated ODI squad for the fifth ODI: Shreyas Iyer [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan [WK, VC], Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra [WK], Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav