Axar Patel Returns to India Squad for 2nd SL Test, Kuldeep Yadav Released

India won the first Test in 3 days in Mohali.

Axar Patel could feature in the second Test against SL. 

(Photo Courtesy: BCCI)

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel is all set to feature in the second Test against Sri Lanka, which is set to begin on 12 March in Bengaluru.

The left-arm orthodox spinner, who was recovering from an injury as well COVID-19, has replaced the left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has been released from the squad.

Earlier, the BCCI's statement, announcing the squad for the first Test, had said that Axar's fitness would be "assessed later to ascertain his selection for the second Test".

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has added Axar Patel to India’s squad for the second Paytm Test to be played from 12-16th March in Bengaluru. The all-rounder has completed his rehab and has been cleared by the BCCI Medical Team. Kuldeep Yadav has been released from the squad for the second Test," a BCCI statement read on Tuesday.

Kuldeep did not feature in the first Test in Mohali, with India preferring Jayant Yadav as their third spinner. Jayant went wicketless in both innings, while his spin partners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja dominated the match with a combined 15 wickets.