Why Is Kuldeep Yadav Not Playing In The IND Vs SL 2nd Test? BCCI Explains

Team India made just one change to their playing XI for the IND vs SL 2nd Test in Colombo on Sunday. Kuldeep Yadav, who played in India's 165-run win in Galle was dropped in favour of newcomer Saransh Jain. Later, BCCI revealed that Kuldeep was ill which led to his absence from the XI.

"Mr Kuldeep Yadav has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was unavailable for selection in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka. However, he can take the field as a concussion substitute, if required," BCCI said in a statement.

In the build up to the IND vs SL 2nd Test, Kuldeep Yadav had not trained with the team. The left-arm wrist spinner did not bowl in the nets, while Jain got an extended run. That itself raised doubts on Kuldeep's selection for the Colombo Test and at the toss Shubman Gill confirmed he was out of the side.

Kuldeep is amongst India's premier bowlers but has struggled for consistency. While Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja excelled in Galle, Yadav did not have the best of outings. He picked up a solitary wicket, down to a brilliant catch from Shubman Gill.

Saransh Jain meanwhile makes his debut after impressive performances in domestic cricket. The 33-year-old, India’s 320th men’s Test player, also became the first off-spinner to make his Test debut for India since Washington Sundar in January 2021.