Kuldeep Yadav has been dropped from the Indian Test squad by the team management. According to sources, the decision was made after Axar Patel regained full fitness. The Indian left-arm spinner has already arrived in Mohali, where the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka ended on Sunday (March 6).
Despite the fact that Kuldeep (27) was not initially selected as a back-up for Axar (28), the team management believes there is no need for four left-arm spinners, given the presence of Ravindra Jadeja and Saurabh Kumar. In addition, the 18-man roster includes two more spinners, R Ashwin and Jayant Yadav.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) noted when naming the squad on February 22 that "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."
Since the Mumbai Test against New Zealand in December, the Ahmedabad-based spinner has been out of action. Kuldeep's presence was not considered necessary now that he is available for selection for the Bangalore Test.
In three days, India defeated Sri Lanka in the first Test in Mohali. The team, on the other hand, will remain in Mohali until Wednesday, when they will fly to Bangalore for the second and final Test on March 13.
Meanwhile, second batting coach Apurva Desai, trainer Anand Date, and physio Partho have all been released by the team management, while Sairaj Bahutule has been retained. The former India spinner will be in the team for the second Test as well.
While the Indian team was playing a white ball series against the touring Lankans, NCA staffers went to Mohali to assist the Test specialists ahead of the first Test.