India’s T20I tour of Australia has taken an unexpected turn with spinner Kuldeep Yadav being released midway through the five-match series.
The left-arm wrist-spinner, who featured in the opening two games, will now return home ahead of the second four-day match between India A and South Africa A in Bengaluru.
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Kuldeep has been a key figure in India’s bowling lineup in recent months, but this decision has been made with a larger goal in mind- red-ball preparation.
With the South Africa Test series starting soon, the management wants him to get enough practice in longer formats before the crucial matches begin.
Why has Kuldeep Yadav been released from the T20I squad?
The BCCI confirmed that Kuldeep was released at the request of the team management to participate in the India A series starting November 6 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The second four-day game will allow him valuable time in red-ball conditions before the two-Test series against South Africa that begins on November 14 in Kolkata.
A BCCI statement read that the decision was made to provide Kuldeep with red-ball game time in preparation for the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against South Africa.
How has Kuldeep Yadav performed in the T20I series so far?
Kuldeep featured in the first two T20Is against Australia. The first match in Canberra was washed out due to rain, but he did well in the second game at the MCG and picked up two wickets in a losing cause.
India will play the remaining two games without Kuldeep. The squad will now rely on Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy to handle spin duties in the next matches.
What is next for Kuldeep Yadav and India’s upcoming schedule?
Kuldeep will join the India A camp ahead of the second four-day fixture against South Africa A. That game will begin on November 6, with Rishabh Pant leading the side.
The two-Test series between India and South Africa will start on November 14 in Kolkata, followed by the second Test in Guwahati from November 22. Post the Tests, both sides will meet again for three ODIs and five T20Is in December.
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