Kuldeep Yadav missed out on the playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka due to a “viral illness”, and hence Saransh Jain walked into the playing XI in Colombo. The spinner was absent from training on the eve of the crucial game, and hence it was a given that Kuldeep would not feature. The 31-year-old scalped just one wicket in the series opener, and hence several believed that he would be dropped from the lineup. However, the BCCI made things interesting, saying Kuldeep was ruled out of the clash due to illness.
After the close of play on Day 1, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak snapped at a Kuldeep Yadav question after a reporter asked him whether the spinner would have played had he been fit for the encounter against Sri Lanka.
Kotak said the question was irrelevant, as Kuldeep was unfit, adding that the team would not shy away from giving the exact reason in public.
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“I don’t think this is a relevant question. If he isn’t fit, how does it matter whether he plays? He genuinely had viral when he left Galle. If the team needs an off-spinner, there is no need to say that Kuldeep wasn’t well. If the guy is in no position to play, there is no point in thinking about what would have been done if he had been fit. It’s unfair to think like that,” said Kotak.
2026 has been quite bad for Kuldeep. He first didn’t play all the matches of the T20 World Cup, featuring just against Pakistan. He then missed out on the T20I squads for the series against Ireland, England and Zimbabwe. The spinner also missed out on the playing XI for the ODIs against the Three Lions.
‘Viral’
The India batting coach said Kuldeep had been unwell ever since the team left Galle after winning the opening Test by 165 runs. However, he added that the spinner was feeling better.
“Kuldeep wasn’t well. He had a viral. When we left, only his throat wasn’t well. He has recovered reasonably well. He looked good when I met him in the evening. He wasn’t unavailable for the match, so it came down to whether we needed three fast bowlers or three spinners. And with them having four left-handers in the top order, it made sense to play an off-spinner,” said Kotak.
Earlier, the BCCI had confirmed the exact reason for Kuldeep’s absence; however, it added that he would be available if a concussion substitute were required. Speaking of the Test, India ended Day 1 at 300/5 after opting to bat first.