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Kuldeep Yadav absent from India’s XI for Colombo Test due to illness

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 7:30 PM

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Kuldeep Yadav absent from India’s XI for Colombo Test due to illness

Summary

Kuldeep Yadav is not part of India's lineup for the ongoing Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo due to a viral illness. The decision comes as India opts for debutant Saransh Jain, with the team needing to balance spinners against a batting order featuring multiple left-handers. While Kuldeep traveled with the team and was seen in the dugout, conflicting reports from the Indian camp concerning his condition have arisen. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Kuldeep's health issues and stressed the focus on team needs. The Board of Control for Cricket in India stated he remains unavailable for selection but can serve as a concussion substitute if necessary.

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Status Watch

•Kuldeep Yadav is sidelined due to a viral illness.
•India gives a Test debut to Saransh Jain.
•Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Kuldeep's condition.
•BCCI states Kuldeep may serve as a concussion substitute.
•India's decision responds to the opposition's left-handed batsmen.

Latest Updates

7:30 PMYahoo Sports — Rest, viral and not in India's XI for Colombo Test: The mysterious case of Kuldeep Yadav

What they're saying

"
Conflicting explanations from the Indian camp have added intrigue to Kuldeep Yadav's absence from the Colombo Test, with the chinaman missing out as India handed Saransh Jain a debut. Kuldeep did travel with the team and was also spotted in the dugout alongside Sarfaraz Khan. The official word from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains "viral illness".
— Yahoo Sports

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