India’s deputy skipper in Tests, Jasprit Bumrah has clarified that the team management has released Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka due to bio-bubble fatigue. Notably, Axar Patel has joined the Indian squad, while Kuldeep Yadav was released from the Indian team. Axar wasn’t a part of the first Test due to injury issues but returned to full fitness ahead of the pink-ball Test.

Kuldeep was named in the 18-man squad but he wasn’t selected in the playing XI in the first Test in Mohali despite India playing 3 spinners. The chinaman bowler was also part of the Indian squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka as well, and hence, has been staying in the bubble for a long time.

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During a press conference ahead of the second Test, Jasprit Bumrah said, “We have not removed him (Kuldeep Yadav) from the team. He has been in the bubble for a long time and hence he has been released. Staying in a bubble is not easy. The mental aspect is important.”

Jasprit Bumrah also showered praises on Axar, saying that the all-rounder adds a lot of value with his return to the squad.

Bumrah had said, “Axar Patel has added a lot of value whenever he has played, has contributed a lot and offers a lot in all departments. He was injured but he jumps straight back in when he’s fit. We’ll discuss our combination but of course, he’s valuable,.”

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It will be interesting to see if Axar will get a game in Bengaluru as India and Sri Lanka will look to make use of the conditions in the pink-ball Test. With R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja certain to start, India might look to beef up the pace attack for the 2nd Test.