India has bolstered its pace attack for the upcoming World Test Championship series against New Zealand by calling up Gurnoor Brar. The 26-year-old fast bowler joins the squad in Wellington ahead of the opening Test, which begins on 19 November.
Brar earns his maiden Test selection following a strong performance in the ongoing ODI series against the Black Caps, where he currently leads the wicket-taking charts with nine dismissals. He has previously demonstrated his consistency with 71 wickets in 22 first-class matches.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from the Test squad. The board stated that Yadav will return to India to participate in the ongoing domestic cricket season.
In a significant boost for the touring side, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been declared fit for the series. Pant, whose initial selection was contingent on his recovery, has rejoined the squad in Wellington after completing a rehabilitation stint at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
India currently sits in fourth place in the World Test Championship standings. The team is looking to secure victories in the two-match series against New Zealand to improve their position and remain in contention for a place in the final.
The series opener in Wellington will be followed by the second and final Test, which is scheduled to take place in Christchurch. Brar will miss the fifth ODI against New Zealand to link up with the Test squad immediately.
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