India Batting Coach Dismisses Kuldeep Yadav Fitness Speculation
· Sports · Indian Express, NDTV Sports, Times of India
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dismissed questions regarding whether Kuldeep Yadav would have been selected for the second Test in Colombo had he been fit. The left-arm wristspinner was ruled out of the match after contracting a viral illness, leading to his replacement by Saransh Jain. Kotak clarified that the decision to play an off-spinner was based on the presence of four left-handers in the Sri Lankan top order rather than fitness concerns. He noted that while Kuldeep has recovered well since the team left Galle, he was not in a position to play during the match. Kotak also praised Devdutt Padikkal for his performance, noting that he effectively utilized his opportunity in the absence of Sai Sudharsan.
Why it matters
The clarification addresses public speculation regarding team selection and clarifies that Kuldeep Yadav's absence was due to medical reasons rather than tactical exclusion. The team's decision to prioritize an off-spinner highlights the specific strategic adjustments India is making against Sri Lanka's current batting lineup.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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