Colombo, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India left out left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against Sri Lanka on Sunday as he continues to recover from a viral illness, the BCCI said.
Kuldeep was unavailable for selection in the playing XI at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground, where India won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the spinner remains eligible to feature as a concussion substitute if required.
“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,” the BCCI said in an official statement.
His absence opened the door for Madhya Pradesh off-spin bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain, who received his maiden Test cap during the team huddle before the toss.
The 33-year-old Saransh was brought into the squad after off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar suffered a hamstring injury during India’s ODI tour of England. He has an impressive first-class record, having played 54 matches, scoring 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75 and taking 188 wickets at 27.30.
Saransh also impressed during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year, scoring an unbeaten 70 and claiming six wickets in a match.
His debut makes him the first off-spinner to play his maiden Test for India since Sundar in January 2021. He is also India’s 320th men’s Test player.
Saransh becomes the fifth cricketer from Indore to represent India in Test cricket, following Narendra Hirwani, Rajesh Chauhan, Naman Ojha and Rajat Patidar.
He is also the oldest player to make his Test debut for India after turning 33 since Robin Singh did so in 1998.
India lead the two-match series 1-0 after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening Test in Galle.
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