The Indian team management had released spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the squad ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah has now made the clarification that the decision was taken because Kudeep has been in the bio-bubble for a very 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.
The selectors had added Axar Patel in place of Kuldeep in the squad after the left-handed player returned to full fitness. Bumrah lavished praise on Axar and added that he has made valuable contributions.
"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.
Kuldeep last played for India in a T20I against Sri Lanka in Dharamsala in February where he returned with figures of 0/22 in 4 overs.
India and Sri Lanka will lock horns with each other in the second Test of the series which would be a Day-night fixture. The home side is presently leading the series 1-0.
The hosts thumped the Lankan Lions by an innings and 222 runs in Mohali. India rode on an exceptional all-round show from Ravindra Jadeja who first scored 175* and then scalped a total of 9 wickets during the course of the match.