Kuldeep Yadav and Saransh Jain - (Source: AFP/X)
On Sunday, August 23, India and Sri Lanka will lock horns for the 2nd and final Test of the series. The Shubman Gill-led side won the opening fixture. Despite a comprehensive win, Kuldeep Yadav’s place is under the scanner, and there is a debate about whether Saransh Jain will make his debut in the 2nd Test.
India started the 1st Test well, and there were signs that the match might be done and dusted on Day 3 itself. However, in the final two days, India felt the need for an extra off-spinner because Kuldeep Yadav looked ineffective.
Sairaj Bahutule Breaks Silence on Saransh Jain’s Potential Debut
In the latest events, India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule spoke to the media before the 2nd Test, where he opened up about Saransh Jain’s potential debut and Kuldeep Yadav’s place in the team.
"We will decide the playing XI tomorrow after looking at the wicket; we know that SL have added more left handed batters in their team. All depends on the conditions,” remarked Sairaj Bahutule on the possible debut of Saransh Jain.
Sairaj Bahutule Praises Kuldeep Yadav
Meanwhile, Sairaj Bahutule refused to rule Kuldeep Yadav out from the 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka and remarked that the left-arm spinner was asked by the management to bowl flatter, and he complied with the instructions.
“Kuldeep Yadav has been bowling well, played a different role in Galle and was trying to adapt. He was making an effort to change trajectory as per session requirements. Kuldeep bowled extremely well in Galle; he was asked to bowl in Flatter Trajectory & according to conditions. ”
Further, a recent report from India Today also hinted that Saransh Jain is all set to make his India debut in Colombo. In the latest events, Kuldeep Yadav also skipped the training session on Friday, but Bahutule confirmed that it was a rest day for the leg-spinner.
Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar Shine, Kuldeep Yadav Flops In 1st Test
Talking about the match, Manav Suthar scripted history and registered the best bowling figures by an Indian on Sri Lankan soil. The left-arm spinner took 10 wickets in the match, which includes a six-wicket haul in the second innings.
Also Read: Saransh Jain Set For India Debut; Star Bowler To Make Way In 2nd Test vs SL
Ravindra Jadeja, on the other hand, picked up a four-wicket haul in the match, which includes a three-wicket haul in the first innings. However, Kuldeep Yadav had a match to forget. The left-arm wrist-spinner took just a solitary wicket in two innings and leaked runs as well.
Hence, it led to a mutual cry on social media, demanding Saransh Jain’s inclusion for the Colombo Test match.
Sri Lanka Add Two Left-Hand Options, Chances Increase For Saransh Jain
Sri Lanka are nursing several injury concerns. Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the entire series, and so was Dinesh Chandimal, who suffered a concussion in the 1st Test. Further, Pathum Nissanka also failed to recover in time to be fit for the Colombo Test.
On Thursday, August 20, Sri Lanka officially revised their squad and added two left-handed batters to their 16-member list. The Island Nation roped in Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige for the 2nd Test.
The recent changes have also increased Saransh Jain’s chances to feature in his debut game as he is a right-arm spinner and historically, the right-arm off-spinners have troubled left-handed batters.
Also Read: Shubman Gill's Teammate Announces Shocking Retirement
