India vs Sri Lanka: Kuldeep Yadav has not been dropped but released due to bubble fatigue, says Jasprit Bumrah
India Today
India vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah has said that mental fatigue due to bio-bubble was the reason behind Kuldeep Yadav getting released ahead of the second Test.
India vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah has clarified that the team management hasn't dropped Kuldeep Yadav and he has been released ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka due to bio-bubble fatigue.
Notably, Axar Patel joined the Indian squad, while Kuldeep Yadav was released from the team ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka. 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 did not make it to the playing XI in the first Test in Mohali despite India playing 3 spinners. The chinaman bowler was also part of the Indian team for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka too, and hence, has been staying in the bubble for a long time.
"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," Bumrah told reporters in the press conference ahead of the second Test.
Bumrah heaped rich praise on Axar, saying that the all-rounder adds a lot of value with his return to the squad.
"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," Bumrah added.
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.
