Politics · India Bureau
Viral Fever Rules Out Kuldeep From Second Sri Lanka Test
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has attributed left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav's absence from the second Test against Sri Lanka to a bout of viral fever. Morkel indicated the player would have been in contention for selection had he remained fit.
LSN India ·
India bowling coach Morne Morkel on Tuesday clarified that Kuldeep Yadav's non-selection for the second Test against Sri Lanka was driven by medical considerations rather than tactical decisions. Morkel stated that the left-arm spinner would have featured in the squad mix had he not fallen ill with a viral fever ahead of the match.
The comments from Morkel suggest Kuldeep remains part of India's bowling plans but was unavailable due to illness. The timing of the fever, coming just before the second Test, effectively ruled out the possibility of his participation in the fixture.
Kuldeep has been a key component of India's bowling attack in recent campaigns, particularly in Test cricket where his left-arm orthodox spin provides a valuable option. His absence underscores the importance of managing player fitness during international schedules, especially in challenging playing conditions.
The Indian cricket team will proceed with alternative bowling combinations for the second Test, with other players stepping in to fill the void left by Kuldeep's unavailability. Morkel's statement makes clear that fitness rather than form or tactical preference determined the squad composition for the match.