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Kuldeep Yadav didn't bowl on day 3 of IND vs SL-XI (Source: AFP)
India's preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka ended with a six-wicket win against SL-XI in the three-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo.
After the warm-up match between India and SL-XI, one thing that was the in the news was why Kuldeep Yadav did not bowl on Day 3 of the match.
Kuldeep's prolonged absence created a buzz all around: was it a fitness setback or an injury, or is he even in the scheme of things for India for the upcoming Sri Lanka Tests?
India Coach Reveals Why Kuldeep Yadav Did Not Bowl On Day 3 vs SL XI
The left-arm wrist-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, had bowled 18 overs in the first innings but was not used on Day 3. His absence immediately raised questions about a possible injury or fitness issue.
However, India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has now cleared the air. He confirmed that there was no injury concern involving Kuldeep; instead, the team decided to give him a break.
"Kuldeep bowled almost 20 overs in the match — 18 in the match and about two-three overs before the game also. He had a very good outing, and he just wanted to take a break in terms of just understanding how his body is. And the rest of the spinners got that opportunity and they bowled their overs."
"One bowled 14, Manav bowled about 14-15 overs, Jaddu bowled about 14-15 overs. So, they got a very good outing. They understood how the pitch reacts, and I think it was a great preparation for them," Sairaj Bahutule added.
The decision was therefore precautionary and part of workload management. It also suggests that Kuldeep Yadav remains firmly in India's plans for the Sri Lanka Tests.
Also Read: Why Kuldeep Yadav Is Irreplaceable In ODIs As India Enters Road To 2027 World Cup?
What Value Does Kuldeep Yadav Add To India's XI?
Kuldeep Yadav brings something different to India’s spin attack. While Ravindra Jadeja can operate with conventional finger-spin, Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist-spin gives India another option, keeping in mind the Sri Lankan conditions.
His ability to turn the ball sharply, change his pace and flight, and attack batters from different angles can be especially useful on Sri Lankan pitches.
Kuldeep's experience in Sri Lanka is another advantage. Among India's current Test squad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep are the players with previous experience of playing in Sri Lanka.
That familiarity could become important during a Test series where conditions and spin are expected to play a major role.
How Did Kuldeep Yadav Perform In Warm-Up Match vs SL-XI?
Kuldeep Yadav had a useful outing in the first innings of the warm-up match, finishing with 2 wickets for 76 runs from 18 overs. He initially found the conditions challenging, conceding 29 runs during his opening five-over spell.
However, he adjusted his bowling as the innings progressed. By changing his pace, Kuldeep created more problems for the Sri Lankan batters and eventually picked up two wickets in the final session.
Also Read: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Makes Himself Available For 2027 World Cup
