The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a change to India’s Test squad ahead of the Test match against New Zealand in Wellington. Young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar replaces left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav who will return home to play domestic cricket.
Brar was announced on November 14 and the pacer is in Wellington with the Indian team as preparations for the red-ball assignment gather pace. The 26-year-old has gained attention through limited overs cricket but will now get a chance to be part of India’s Test set up.
Brar has taken 23 wickets in ODIs since making his debut earlier this year and will give India another fast bowling option ahead of the tough conditions expected in New Zealand. He will miss the fifth ODI to prepare for Test match.
India’s Test campaign gets underway on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. It is a ground where seam and swing bowling can get assistance so picking fast bowlers will be crucial for the visiting team.
Meanwhile wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has arrived in Wellington to join the team for red ball duties. He will bolster India’s batting and wicketkeeping options ahead of the big fixture. Pant’s experience and aggressive approach could come handy as India look to build on a strong performance in Test cricket.
Captain Shubman Gill has also been part of the training sessions. Gill was bowling medium pace in nets during practice which shows how well the team is preparing and experimenting with different combinations. The practice sessions will help management assess fitness, form and possible combinations before the match.
The new squad has several experienced players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah in it. Experience will be crucial for India as they prepare to take on New Zealand at home where the opposition are used to playing cricket.
Brar’s selection is one of the key developments ahead of Test match. Kuldeep’s absence changes bowling combination but young pacer gives team another option to think about.
The preparations for the opening Test will be crucial in Wellington. Team management will now finalise playing combination and players will be ready for conditions at Basin Reserve.
Brar’s inclusion also gives the young bowler an opportunity to put his case for a longer term place in India’s Test set-up. The team will be under pressure with the first Test coming closer and closer.
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