Why is Kuldeep Yadav not playing second SL vs IND Test in Colombo?

Kuldeep Yadav opted out from India’s training sessions after the Galle Test.

The Indian Cricket Team‘s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo comes at an important stage, right after they made a winning start to the two-match series. The visitors arrive at the Sinhalese Sports Club with a 1-0 lead in the series following the impressive win at Galle, where several members of the Indian contingent made significant contributions. 

The victory, however, gave Indian selectors an interesting selection dilemma. With Sri Lanka promising a spin-friendly track, the combination of spin bowlers became one of India’s biggest concerns. Ravindra Jadeja remains irreplaceable, and Manav Suthar earned his spot righteously after putting on a match-winning performance in the last fixture.  Kuldeep Yadav’s place in the XI following a quiet outing at Galle was one of the major talking points, and now his snub has attracted considerable attention. This match is of immense importance to the Indian side as they are aiming for a better finish in this ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

Why is Kuldeep Yadav not playing the SL vs IND Test in Colombo? 

Kuldeep Yadav has been omitted from the playing XI by the Indian team management, citing his viral illness. Though the decision seems primarily a combination-and-conditions-based selection call rather than an indication of the management undermining his abilities, the real reason, as revealed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is Kuldeep’s illness. 

The Indian contingent has revealed that Kuldeep was not available for selection for the second Test due to his illness; however, the spinner will be available if required as a concussion substitute.

Releasing the statement, BCCI stated:

“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.”

It was clearly seen in the first Test that Kuldeep was struggling to find his rhythm, and Shubman Gill decided not to bowl him more than 25 overs across the two innings of the match, while Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar bowled nearly 44 overs in the game each. Kuldeep returned with just a consolation wicket of Kamindu Mendis in the first innings, and he never looked as a major threat to the opposition batters. 

That performance naturally created a selection dilemma. With Suthar’s place strengthened on the side, the Indian management decided to opt for a different type of spin to add some variety to the XI.

India played at Galle with three left-arm spinners, but at Colombo, which promises more challenging conditions, they have brought in an off-spinner against the left-hander-heavy batting lineup of the hosts.   

Sarasnsh Jain, the 33-year-old bowling all-rounder, made his debut for India on the international stage. This is a golden opportunity for the experienced domestic star to show his prowess on the international stage, as Washington Sundar is missing the tour due to injury while India continues their hunt for lower-order all-rounders. 

Ahead of the Colombo Test, both coach Sairaj Bahutule and Gautam Gambhir backed Kuldeep Yadav as one of India’s finest spin bowlers and match-winners. However, with Kuldeep opting out of both training sessions since the Galle Test, the coaches never indicated that he was indispensable. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.