Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Kuldeep Yadav Misses Colombo Test After Viral Illness, Future Uncertain
Kuldeep Yadav could not play India’s second Test against Sri Lanka because he was still recovering from a viral illness.
The BCCI said he was unavailable for selection but could play as a concussion substitute if needed.
Saransh Jain took his place and made his Test debut.
Kuldeep had not practiced with the team before the match.
He also did not play in India’s Tests in England in 2025.
Sri Lanka’s slower pitches might have suited his special style of spin bowling.
His bowling can make the ball drift, dip and turn sharply.
Because he missed this chance, some people are wondering about his future in Test cricket.
However, the immediate reason for his absence was illness rather than a confirmed permanent exclusion.
Kuldeep Yadav was unavailable for India’s second Test against Sri Lanka after not fully recovering from a viral illness.
Saransh Jain replaced Kuldeep in India’s playing XI and made his Test debut in Colombo.
Kuldeep had not trained or bowled in the nets before the match, according to the BCCI report.
The left-arm wristspinner missed India’s Tests during the 2025 England tour despite Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions.
His absence has prompted questions about his long-term place in India’s Test plans, although the BCCI described it as illness-related.
- Who
- Kuldeep Yadav, India, Sri Lanka, the BCCI and replacement Saransh Jain.
- What
- Kuldeep Yadav missed India’s second Test against Sri Lanka after not fully recovering from a viral illness.
- When
- The second Test’s toss on Sunday; Kuldeep had also missed India’s 2025 Test tour of England.
- Where
- The Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- The BCCI said Kuldeep was unavailable because of a viral illness; his absence also drew attention because Sri Lanka’s conditions appeared favorable to his spin bowling.
Career Concerns
Illness-Related Absence
Meaning of missing Colombo
Career Concerns
The absence is significant because Colombo offered conditions that could have suited Kuldeep’s drift, dip and sharp turn, and it has raised questions about his Test future.
Illness-Related Absence
The BCCI attributed the absence to an unresolved viral illness, not to a confirmed decision to remove him from India’s long-term Test plans.
Selection context
Career Concerns
Kuldeep had already missed India’s Tests in England in 2025 and had struggled for consistency, increasing concern about his place in the side.
Illness-Related Absence
He had not trained or bowled in the nets because of his illness, while Saransh Jain received an extended run before being selected as the replacement.
Immediate replacement
Career Concerns
Saransh Jain’s debut means another spinner has received an opportunity while Kuldeep remains unavailable.
Illness-Related Absence
Jain’s selection was presented as a replacement for an unavailable player, while the BCCI still listed Kuldeep as a possible concussion substitute.
- Match
- Second India-Sri Lanka Test
- Venue
- Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
- Kuldeep’s status
- Unavailable after not fully recovering from a viral illness
- Replacement
- Saransh Jain, making his Test debut
- Training status
- Kuldeep did not train or bowl in the nets before the match
- Previous omission
- He did not play a Test during India’s 2025 tour of England
- Potential availability
- The BCCI said he could take the field as a concussion substitute if required
