Murali Kartik Questions India’s Decision to Release Kuldeep

Former India spinner Murali Kartik has criticised the team management’s decision to release Kuldeep Yadav from the Test squad ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand. Kartik believes the decision could be difficult for the wrist-spinner to accept, particularly after initially being selected for the tour and preparing for the conditions expected in New Zealand.

The selection committee has added fast bowler Gurnoor Brar to India’s Test squad, replacing Kuldeep ahead of the opening Test at Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19, 2026. The move has raised questions about how the team management is handling Kuldeep’s role and maintaining his confidence despite his limited opportunities across formats.

India Release Kuldeep Yadav From Test Squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kuldeep would be released from the Test squad to return home and participate in domestic cricket. Gurnoor Brar, who has impressed during the ongoing ODI series, has been added to the red-ball squad as an additional pace option.

“The Men’s Selection Committee has added Gurnoor Brar to the Indian squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting November 19, 2026, in Wellington. Kuldeep Yadav will be released from the Test squad in order to play the ongoing domestic cricket back in India,” the board’s official statement said.

Brar has taken nine wickets across three innings in the ODI series, including career-best figures of 4 for 30 in Wellington. His performances have earned him a place in the Test squad, although the selection means he will miss the fifth and final ODI at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

With Kuldeep and Brar unavailable for the final ODI, India included Mohammed Siraj and Yash Thakur in the playing XI.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Limited Opportunities on New Zealand Tour

Kuldeep’s release from the Test squad is another disappointing development in a tour where he has struggled to secure regular playing opportunities. Although he was included in India’s squads across all three formats, the wrist-spinner has made just one appearance during the entire tour.

He did not feature in any of the five T20Is, a series India won 3-2. Kuldeep was also left out of the playing XI for the first three ODIs, with his only appearance coming in the fourth match at Mount Maunganui on November 13.

That outing did not produce the impact he would have wanted. Kuldeep finished with figures of 0-73 from eight overs, failing to take a wicket during the match.

His limited involvement has become a talking point, particularly because he was initially selected for the Test series as well. Instead of remaining with the squad, he has now been asked to return to India and play domestic cricket.

Murali Kartik Questions How Kuldeep’s Release Was Handled

Murali Kartik expressed concern about the way the decision was communicated and its possible effect on Kuldeep’s confidence. The former India spinner acknowledged that selection decisions can be difficult to accept, but stressed that the management should explain the broader plan to the player.

Kartik also highlighted the difference between being asked to play domestic cricket while staying in India and being sent home midway through an overseas tour. According to him, Kuldeep would have already prepared himself for the conditions and pitches expected in New Zealand.

“I hope they sat him down and told him about the bigger picture. If you have sat him down, it is still hard to accept, but at least you know that this is where you stand. But it is never easy. You have been picked initially, and then you are asked to go and play domestic cricket. It is a different thing when this is happening in India, but being sent back home from New Zealand is different. You have already made up your mind that the wickets are going to be like that,” Murali Kartik said on Cricbuzz.

Kartik’s comments underline the importance of communication between players and team management, especially when a cricketer has been selected for an overseas assignment but is subsequently removed from the squad.

India’s Test Squad Contains Six Specialist Fast Bowlers

Another aspect of the selection decision is the composition of India’s Test squad. Following Kuldeep’s release and Brar’s inclusion, the squad has six specialist fast bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj and Gurnoor Brar.

The squad does not include a specialist spinner, making Kuldeep’s departure particularly notable. The selection suggests that India are prioritising additional pace options for the two-match series, although the absence of a specialist spin option could also attract attention as the team prepares for the conditions in New Zealand.

Murali Kartik Says Kuldeep Must Feel Wanted by the Team

Kartik further defended Kuldeep’s value to the Indian team, pointing out that his record remains impressive despite his irregular appearances in the playing XI across formats. The former spinner believes the team management must provide consistent support and make the wrist-spinner feel that he remains an important part of its plans.

“It is very hard to accept, especially when you have churned out the kind of numbers that he has. In spite of those sporadic appearances, his numbers are outstanding. You have to make them feel wanted. I think that is the most important thing. He is a match-winning bowler,” Murali Kartik said.

Kartik’s remarks focus on the psychological side of team selection. For a player who has delivered important performances for India, repeated omissions can create uncertainty about his position and future opportunities.

He believes that backing a match-winning bowler involves more than selecting him for a squad. Players also need clarity about their roles and confidence that the management values their contributions.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Limited Record in Overseas Tests

Kuldeep’s opportunities in overseas Test cricket have also been limited in recent years. Since producing an impressive five-wicket haul in Sydney in January 2019 during the Border-Gavaskar series, he has played only two away Tests.

He featured in the opening Test of India’s recent series in Sri Lanka but was replaced by debutant Saransh Jain for the second match. The pattern of limited selection has added to the discussion surrounding his role in India’s Test plans.

Despite those restrictions, Kartik believes Kuldeep’s performances demonstrate his ability to make a significant impact whenever he receives an opportunity.

Kuldeep Expected to Join Uttar Pradesh for SMAT 2026-27

Following the conclusion of the ODI series against New Zealand, Kuldeep is expected to join Uttar Pradesh for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026-27. The domestic competition will provide him with an opportunity to return to competitive cricket and continue building match rhythm.

Meanwhile, India’s Test squad will continue its preparations for the opening match in Wellington, with Brar joining an already sizeable group of specialist fast bowlers.

Kartik’s criticism has brought renewed attention to the management of Kuldeep’s international career. While the selection committee has opted for an additional pace option ahead of the New Zealand Tests, the former spinner believes the team must ensure that Kuldeep understands his role and continues to feel valued as a potential match-winner.