IND vs NZ Tests: Brar added, Pant joins India’s squad; Kuldeep released
The Hindu understands that the decision to bring in Gurnoor Brar was influenced by the friendly conditions expected during the Test series, which begins in Wellington on November 19
- ✓The Hindu understands that the decision to bring in Gurnoor Brar was influenced by the friendly conditions expected during the Test series, which begins in Wellington on November 19
- ✓India’s updated 16-member Test squad will be led by Gill, with K.L.
- ✓Civic Domain: Categorized under sports public notices.
Pant had been recovering after hurting his back during the Irani Cup tie in the first week of October. Having proven his fitness and obtained clearance after featuring in a two-day match simulation in Bengaluru on November 10 and 11, Pant joined the Test squad in Wellington.
Kuldeep, meanwhile, will return home after spending much of the tour on the sidelines. With the left-arm wrist-spinner unlikely to feature prominently in the team’s plans for the two Tests, the management and the selection committee felt that releasing him would allow him to get some much-needed game-time.
The limited-overs leg of the domestic season got underway on Saturday (November 14, 2026), allowing Kuldeep an opportunity to get back into competitive action rather than remain on the bench in New Zealand. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also joined the Indian squad in Wellington, adding to the team’s options ahead of the Test series.
India’s updated 16-member Test squad will be led by Gill, with K.L. Rahul as vice-captain. Pant and Dhruv Jurel are the two wicketkeeping options, while Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj and Brar form the pace contingent.
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| Issuing Authority | The Hindu Sports |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | SPORTS |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 14 November 2026 |