Is Kuldeep Yadav Dropped from India Playing XI for SL vs IND 2nd Test?

The Indian Cricket Team is locking horns with the Sri Lankan Cricket Team in the second and final Test match of the series at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. India is leading the series 1-0 and wants to finish the series with another win and whitewash the series. As the toss took place between the two teams ahead of the start, Indian skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first.

However, when Shubman Gill announced his team for the game, one name was missing: Kuldeep Yadav. This absence from the Playing XI made fans wonder whether he was dropped or replaced due to strategic reasons. Let's find out the reason behind it.

Why is Kuldeep Yadav Not Playing Today?

Kuldeep Yadav, one of the best bowlers in India, is not playing today against Sri Lanka in the 2nd Test because of his poor run in recent matches. While other spinners were doing well and taking regular wickets, Kuldeep struggled to take wickets. In the last match in Galle, where the pitch often favours spin, Kuldeep only managed to take a single wicket.

However, fans thought that Kuldeep Yadav dropped from the side in the SL vs IND 2nd Test, but he missed out due to an infection. The 33-year-old debutant Saransh Jain is making his debut in this Test match and has been announced as Kuldeep Yadav replacement for this game. By performing exceptionally well in the domestic circuit, Saransh Jain earned his Indian Test cap, which was presented by Ravindra Jadeja. Jain became the third Indian player to represent at the international stage without playing a single IPL game.

Saransh Jain Domestic Stats

Saransh Jain is a 33-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh who has built a strong reputation in Indian domestic cricket. He is a reliable left-handed batter and an effective right-arm off-spinner, with more than 2,200 first-class runs and 188 wickets to his name. Jain played a key role in Madhya Pradesh's historic Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2021–22 season and was also honoured with the BCCI's Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-Rounder. His impressive performances in the Duleep Trophy further boosted his profile, eventually earning him his maiden Test cap for India. He will bring a variety of spin to the Indian bowling lineup and is expected to leave a mark with his spin at the international level as well.