Kuldeep Yadav has been dropped from the Indian Test team by the team officials. According to an insider, the decision was made as a result of Axar Patel holding complete fitness. The Indian left-arm spin bowler has already accompanied the group in Mohali, where the opening Test match against Sri Lanka concluded on Sunday (March 6). Here we have discussed Axar Patel Returns to India’s Test Squad Against Sri Lanka.
Despite Kuldeep was not originally chosen as a rear for Axar Patel, the officials think there will be no requirement of 3 left-arm spinners having Ravindra Jadeja already in the lineup. In addition, the 18-man roster includes 2 additional spinners, R Ashwin as well as Jayant Yadav.
Team management desire to include Axar for the second test
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had stated before the opening test match: “Axar Patel is currently undergoing his rehab and is not available for selection for the first Test. He will be assessed later to ascertain his selection for the second Test.”
The Ahmedabad-based bowler has not played since the December Test series versus New Zealand in Mumbai. Kuldeep’s participation wasn’t really felt necessary, considering that he is part of the squad for the Bangalore Test.
However, the team officials have let go of second batting coach Apurva Desai, trainer Anand Date, as well as physio Partho, but have kept Sairaj Bahutule on board. The former India bowler will remain with the team for the final Test as well.
Moreover, the first and opening Test match against the islanders provided several memorable moments, including a successful test for newly appointed test team captain Rohit Sharma, then for star spinner Ravi Ashwin, who surpassed Indian legend Kapil Dev to claim 2nd spot in India’s most wicket-takers list, and finally for Ravindra Jadeja, who was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding efforts with the ball as well as with the bat too.
Whereas the Indian squad was immersed in a white ball series over the visiting Lankans, NCA personnel traveled to Mohali to help the Test experts before the first Test. Within 3 days, India defeated Sri Lanka at the opening Test in Mohali. On the other hand, the team will probably stay in Mohali until Wednesday, till they fly to Bangalore for the 2nd and final Test, which begins on March 13.
India’s Test Squad Against Sri Lanka :
Rohit Sharma (captain), Priyank Panchal, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Shubhman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, R. Ashwin (subject to fitness clearance), Axar Patel, Saurabh Kumar, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain).
