Kuldeep Yadav's Test career hangs in the balance as India prepares for the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The left-arm wrist-spinner has been left out of India's recent white-ball tour of England and has struggled to make an impact in the red-ball format.
India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has expressed faith in Kuldeep, calling him a "match-winner" and stating that he remains in the "scheme of things" for the second Test.
However, Kuldeep's recent form has been underwhelming. In the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, he took just one wicket for 103 runs in 25 overs. With Sri Lanka's left-handers Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella frustrating India's bowlers, there is growing speculation that off-spinner Saransh Jain could replace Kuldeep to add variety to the attack.
Saransh (33) has been bowling at the nets, and his inclusion could be a significant boost to India's spin attack. In Galle, Kuldeep was outbowled by fellow left-arm spinners Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja.
For now, the team management is backing Kuldeep, and his inclusion in the second Test seems likely. However, the outcome of the match will depend on the conditions, and the team management will decide on the combination once they know the conditions.
The second Test against Sri Lanka is set to begin on Sunday at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The match will be a crucial one for India, who will look to level the series after losing the first Test in Galle.
Kuldeep's form will be closely watched, and his performance will be a deciding factor in whether he remains in the team or not. The outcome of the match will have significant implications for India's spin attack, and it remains to be seen whether Kuldeep can redeem himself in the second Test.
Source: Yahoo Sports