Last Updated: November 15, 2026 01:03 PM
Fans sometimes miss a favourite player on match day without any warning. Many people start asking questions as soon as the team sheet appears.
Why Gurnoor Brar Is Not Playing?
Gurnoor Brar has been named in the Test squad for the 2-match series against New Zealand. He has been chosen to replace Kuldeep Yadav in the XI for the opening Test on November 19.
There are no injury or disciplinary issues. He was chosen as he performed well throughout the ODI series.
Brar Performed Well Throughout The Series
Brar took 9 wickets across the 3 innings of the series. He had an outstanding performance in the second ODI as he took 4/30. He has therefore been India’s first-choice replacement for Kuldeep. He had a huge impact.
The 26-year-old joins a quality pace attack. Now India have 6 pacer options as they have Bumrah, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Anshul Kamboj, Akash Deep and Brar.
Series Status Before the NZ vs IND 5th ODI
India had won the first 2 games but got rained out of the third. New Zealand then won the fourth ODI by 244 runs. This means that India needs a win in the last game to win the series.
If New Zealand win at Bay Oval on November 15 then they will be able to level the series. However, India will be hoping to win the series on their tour.
What Happened To Kuldeep Yadav And Rishabh Pant?
Kuldeep Yadav has been left out of the Test squad and will be playing for Uttar Pradesh. He will play 3 matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Rishabh Pant has also joined the Test squad in Wellington. He has been cleared to play having recovered from his side strain. He last played in the Irani Trophy. Furthermore, they only have 2 specialist spinners left as Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
Final Thoughts
Now you know why Gurnoor Brar is not playing in the last match. It shows how working hard in one format can lead to opportunities in another. If you want to keep up to date with the squad, make sure to check official BCCI updates.
