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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a major change to India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. Young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has earned a place in the Test squad following his impressive performances in the ODI series. Meanwhile, experienced spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from the squad.
The BCCI confirmed the changes on Saturday, November 14. The India vs New Zealand Test series is scheduled to begin on November 19. Gurnoor's selection is a major opportunity, as he could make his Test debut if he gets a place in the playing XI.
BCCI Announces Major Change in India Test Squad for New Zealand Series
The BCCI has made an important change to India's Test squad ahead of the New Zealand series. Gurnoor Brar has been promoted to the Test team after impressing with his bowling in the ongoing ODI series.
The young fast bowler will now join the Test squad to prepare for the upcoming red-ball matches. His inclusion also means he will not be available for the fifth ODI scheduled for November 15.
Why Did BCCI Select Gurnoor Brar for the India Test Squad?
Gurnoor Brar has impressed with his bowling performances in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. The right-arm fast bowler has picked up 23 wickets in 13 ODI matches so far.
His ability to bowl at good pace and generate extra bounce because of his height has made him an effective option for India's pace attack. Following his performances, the team management has given him an opportunity to join the Test squad.
Now, fans will be eager to see whether Gurnoor gets an opportunity to make his Test debut against New Zealand.
Kuldeep Yadav Released from Team India Ahead of New Zealand Test Series
In another important development, Kuldeep Yadav has been released from India's Test squad. The left-arm wrist spinner will return to India and participate in domestic cricket.
His absence means India will have to consider other spin-bowling options for the upcoming Test series. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar remain part of the updated squad.
Rishabh Pant Returns to India Squad After Getting Fitness Clearance
There is also positive news for Indian cricket fans. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has received fitness clearance and joined the Indian squad.
Pant had been recovering from an injury for the past several weeks. His return will strengthen India's wicketkeeping and batting options ahead of the New Zealand Tests.
India vs New Zealand Test Series: Check India's Updated 16-Member Squad
Following the latest changes, the BCCI has announced the following updated squad for the two-match Test series:
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul (Vice-Captain)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rishabh Pant
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Sai Sudharsan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Gurnoor Brar
Shubman Gill, KL Rahul Begin Preparations for New Zealand Test Series
Indian captain Shubman Gill had started preparing for the Test series after the first three ODIs against New Zealand. KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj have also left the ODI squad to focus on preparations for the longer format.
India will now look to finalise its combinations ahead of the opening Test. With Gurnoor Brar getting a place in the squad and Rishabh Pant returning, the team has received two important boosts before the series.
The first Test between India and New Zealand will begin on November 19. All eyes will be on Gurnoor Brar and whether he gets an opportunity to make his Test debut.
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