Kuldeep Yadav Not In Contention For IND vs NZ Tests (Source: AFP)India are set to begin preparations for their upcoming tour of New Zealand, with the selection committee expected to discuss the squad in the next 48 hours. According to a recent report, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is unlikely to be picked for the two-match Test series.India’s tour of New Zealand will run from October 22 to December 1, 2026, with five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests scheduled. The Test series will begin at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19, followed by the second Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27.No Place For Kuldeep Yadav In IND vs NZ Test SeriesAccording to a recent report from the Times of India, India are unlikely to carry all their spin options for the IND vs NZ Test series. Ravindra Jadeja is expected to retain his place in the playing XI because of his experience and batting ability.It is important to note that Ravindra Jadeja has played 11 matches against New Zealand and bagged 41 wickets at an economy rate of 2.65. With the bat, he has made 422 runs at a strike rate of 61.07 and an average of 28.13.With Washington Sundar back to full fitness, the team management could also look at in-form spinners such as Manav Suthar. However, carrying four spin options may not be necessary, given the seam-friendly conditions in New Zealand. Also Read: Shubman Gill Gets 9 Out Of 10: India Players' Rating After ODI Series vs West IndiesSo there is a chance Kuldeep could miss out as India look to strengthen their batting depth.“Ravindra Jadeja is expected to retain his spot in the playing XI, leaving the thinktank with the options of Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav. It is unlikely that all four will board the flight, and the axe could fall on Kuldeep, considering the team's batting focus,” as per the Times of India.Kuldeep Yadav's Test Performance In 2026Kuldeep Yadav has played two Tests across four innings in 2026. He has conceded 165 runs at an average of 41.25 and has taken four wickets, with his best bowling figures being 3/30.YearSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableTestsSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableInningsSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableWicketsSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableAverageSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableEconomySelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table2026SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table2SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table4SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table4SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table41.25SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table3.85SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableHow Will India's Bowling Look Without Kuldeep Yadav In IND vs NZ Tests?India are likely to rely more heavily on their pace attack in New Zealand. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj could lead the bowling unit, with Prasidh Krishna (if fit) and Gurnoor Brar providing further pace options. The other pace bowling options for India are Akash Deep, Auqib Nabi and, recently in talks, Mukesh Kumar because of heroics in the Irani Cup 2026.New Zealand conditions traditionally help seamers, making a three-pace attack likely.Jadeja is expected to be India’s main spin option, while Washington Sundar or Manav Suthar could provide additional support. Without Kuldeep Yadav, India would move away from wrist-spin and place greater emphasis on finger-spin and batting depth.Also Read: Cameron Green Likely To Be Out Of South Africa Vs Australia 1st Test: Report
