Why Is Kuldeep Yadav Dropped For IND Vs SL 2nd Test?

Kuldeep Yadav has been dropped by India [Source: AFP]

The stage is set for a riveting second Test match as India and Sri Lanka collide in Colombo, and the clash could affect their WTC points tally. Both sides need a win to stay alive in the WTC final race, and India will be the favourite after a resounding win in Galle.

The Shubman Gill-led Indian side dominated the proceedings in the first Test as they defeated the hosts by a huge margin of 165 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The Indian side ticked almost all the boxes, but the bowling department, particularly was impressive as Manav Suthar broke several records with his match-winning spell.

Ahead of the second Test, we take a look at what transpired during the IND Vs SL toss.

Saransh Jain debuts, Kuldeep Yadav dropped as India set to bat

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and has elected to bat first. 33-year-old Saransh Jain makes his debut as India are going in with three spin-bowling all-rounders. That means Kuldeep Yadav, who was underutilised in the first Test in Galle, has been dropped from the playing XI to incorporate the debutant.

Saransh Jain, the off-spinner has had two impressive domestic campaigns as he gets his Test cap.

Why Kuldeep Yadav is dropped for IND Vs SL 2nd Test?

Kuldeep looked a pale shadow of his former self in the first Test in Galle as he conceded 65 runs in 14 overs and picked up just a solitary wicket in the first innings. Moreover, in the second innings, Kuldeep went wicketless as Suthar dominated with the ball and helped India win the game.

Interestingly, out of all three spinners that played in Galle, Kuldeep bowled the fewest overs, indicating that Shubman Gill hardly showed any trust in his abilities.

Tactically, bringing in Saransh in place of Kuldeep was the right call, but the BCCI has released a statement on Kuldeep, stating that he is suffering from an illness, and that is why the wily spinner has not been picked in the playing XI.

Also Read: Tactical Corner: Why India Needs Saransh Jain In 2nd Test Vs Sri Lanka

UPDATE: Mr Kuldeep Yadav has not fully recovered from his viral illness. 

He was unavailable for selection in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka. 

However, he can take the field as a concussion substitute, if required," a BCCI statement read.

IND Vs SL 2nd Test playing XIs

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando

IND Vs SL: What the captains had to say

Shubman Gill (India Captain): "[Toss decision and reason] We are batting first, yes. It looks like a much harder and better surface than Galle. In Galle, as the game went on it got slower and the ball started to turn. We are expecting the same but for the first two or three days, it will be good to bat. 

[Team Changes] Kuldeep, unfortunately has some infection, he misses out. Saransh Jain makes his debut for India. 

Dhananjaya de Silva (Sri Lanka Captain): "[Would he have batted first?] Yes of course. As Shubman said, it is harder than Galle and it is good for batting. I do not mind it bowling because of the cloud cover. Maybe we can strike early and put them under pressure.

[Changes] Kamil Mishara is debuting today and Pasindu Sooriyabandara is also playing today. That's all. Same line up.

Also Read: Sinhalese Sports Club Pitch Report, Colombo Weather Report For IND vs SL 2nd Test, 2026