Why is Gurnoor Brar not playing 5th NZ vs IND ODI?
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Gurnoor Brar has taken nine wickets against New Zealand in the ongoing ODI series.
India are currently facing New Zealand in the fifth ODI of their five-match series at the Bay Oval in Tauranga. The game is crucial for both sides, as the Men in Blue need a win to secure the series, while the hosts can tie the series with a win.
Gurnoor Brar is not playing in India‘s final ODI game against the Black Caps because he has been added to the Men in Blue’s Test side. The 26-year-old has replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the visitors’ squad ahead of the two-match Test series.
Meanwhile, India will aim to win the final ODI and win the overseas series, continuing the momentum from the T20Is. After wins in the first two games of the series, and with the third match washed out, India suffered a disappointing one-sided defeat to the Black Caps by 244 runs.
Thus, a win becomes important for the visitors ahead of the Test series, which commences on November 19 in Wellington.
Why did Gurnoor Brar miss 5th NZ vs IND ODI?
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Gurnoor Brar has not been included in India’s squad for the last ODI because he has joined the Test preparations for the upcoming two-match series.
Brar has been in great form against the Black Caps, as he picked up 9 wickets in three innings in the ODI series. His best figures came in the 2nd ODI, where he picked four wickets while conceding only 30 runs. Thus, he became the team’s first choice to join as Kuldeep Yadav’s replacement.
With Brar’s addition in the Test line-up, the India now have six frontline pace options, which includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Anshul Kamboj, and Akash Deep. However, at the same time, they only have two spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from the Test squad, as the left-arm wrist spinner will play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Kuldeep Yadav is set to play three T20S for Uttar Pradesh in the SMAT.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who was last in action during the Irani Trophy, has also joined the Test preparations in Wellington. The 29-year-old received the required fitness clearance from the BCCI medical staff and has recovered from a side strain.
Why is Gurnoor Brar not playing in the 5th ODI against NZ?
Brar has joined India’s Test preparations ahead of the upcoming series.
Who has Gurnoor replaced in India’s Test squad?
Gurnoor Brar has replaced Kuldeep Yadav.
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