In a strategic move aimed at bolstering preparations for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, the Indian team management has released left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the ongoing T20I squad in Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the decision, stating that Yadav will now participate in the India A series against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The decision comes with two matches remaining in the five-match T20I series against Australia. Kuldeep Yadav, who featured in the first two T20Is, was notably absent from the playing XI in the third match held in Hobart, where India secured a five-wicket victory to level the series 1-1. Washington Sundar replaced him in the lineup for the third T20I.
According to the BCCI, the team management requested Kuldeep's release to provide him with crucial red-ball game time ahead of the two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The move suggests that the team anticipates Kuldeep playing a significant role in the Test series.
Kuldeep's inclusion in the India A squad for the second four-day match against South Africa A, commencing on November 6, further emphasizes the focus on his red-ball preparation. The first match of the series already saw India A secure a narrow three-wicket victory.
Kuldeep Yadav's recent performances in Test cricket have been impressive. He was the highest wicket-taker in India's 2-0 Test series win against the West Indies in October, claiming 12 wickets at an average of 19.50, including best figures of 5-82 in the second game in New Delhi.
While Kuldeep's absence will be felt in the remaining T20Is against Australia, the decision highlights the importance of preparing key players for the Test series against South Africa. His experience and skill as a left-arm wrist-spinner are considered vital for India's chances in the upcoming Test matches.
India's updated squad for the 4th and 5th T20Is against Australia is as follows: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
