BCCI confirms Kuldeep Yadav’s release from T20I squad ahead of Test series
Kuldeep Yadav has been released from India’s T20I squad against Australia to join the India A team for the South Africa A series, as the BCCI prioritises his red-ball preparation ahead of the upcoming Test series starting November 14.
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from India’s T20I squad currently touring Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Sunday. The decision comes with two matches still remaining in the five-match T20I series, which is currently level at 1-1.
According to the BCCI, the move was made to allow Kuldeep to get valuable red-ball match practice ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, starting November 14. He will now join the India A squad for their second unofficial Test against South Africa A, scheduled to begin on November 6 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“The Indian team management has requested to release Kuldeep Yadav from the ongoing T20I series in Australia to allow him to participate in the India A series against South Africa A,” the BCCI said in its statement. “The decision has been taken to provide Kuldeep with red-ball game time in preparation for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.”
Kuldeep Yadav Set to Join India A Squad
Kuldeep’s inclusion strengthens an already formidable India A lineup led by Rishabh Pant, who recently returned to competitive cricket after injury. The squad also features several Test regulars, including KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
India A won the first four-day match against South Africa A by three wickets, with Pant scoring a crucial 90 in the second innings. Kuldeep’s addition is expected to bolster the spin department for the second match.
India A squad for 2nd unofficial Test: Rishabh Pant (C & WK), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav.
Focus Shifts to Red-Ball Preparation
Kuldeep did not feature in India’s playing XI during their series-levelling win in Hobart in the third T20I. He last played a Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024 before impressing in the two-Test series against West Indies earlier this year, where he claimed 12 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.
India’s Test series against South Africa begins at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14, followed by the second Test in Guwahati from November 22.
India’s Updated T20I Squad for Final Two Matches
With Kuldeep’s release, India’s squad for the last two T20Is against Australia is as follows: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
Kuldeep’s release highlights India’s long-term planning as they balance immediate white-ball commitments with preparations for the crucial red-ball contests ahead. The move also underscores the management’s emphasis on ensuring players gain the right match exposure in the buildup to major Test assignments.
Tags:
