Bengaluru: India vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah on Friday said chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has not been dropped from the side, but given rest and allowed to spend valuable time with his family before a long IPL season.
"Look, he hasn't (Kuldeep) been dropped from the team because he has been in the bubble for a long time. He hasn't not gone home for a long time. Since there were limited chances of playing the second Test, he has been given rest so that he can spend valuable time with his family before the IPL season begins. He has not been dropped from the side," Bumrah clarified in a virtual press conference on the eve of the pink-ball Test against Sri Lanka beginning March 12.
Bumrah further said that players' well being has to be taken care of which is very important from the team's perspective.
"Players' well being is also important because living in a bubble is not easy. Otherwise, every player wants to play. Whenever he will get an opportunity, he will try to do well," he stated.
Lauding Axar Patel, who could replace Jayant Yadav in the pink-ball Test, Bumrah said the all-rounder adds value to the team as he offers a lot in all departments of the game.
"Axar has added a lot of value whenever he has played, has contributed a lot and offers a lot in all departments. He was injured but he jumps straight back in when he's fit. We'll discuss our combination but of course he's valuable," he said.
Axar had an unforgettable pink-ball Test against England at Ahmedabad in February 2021 where he wreaked havoc, bagging 11 wickets in that game.
India will play their fourth pink-ball Test at M Chinnaswamy stadium. Out of the three matches played earlier, they have won two (against Bangladesh and England) and lost one (to Australia).
Sri Lanka also have the same stats as far as the day-night Test is concerned. (UNI)