India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test: Fit-again all-rounder Axar Patel takes Kuldeep Yadav’s place

Axar had been rehabilitating from a shin ailment that had forced him to miss the South Africa trip and the West India T20 series. He has also lately tested positive for COVID-19.

The first Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali was lopsided. The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series after winning by an innings and 222 runs. Ravindra Jadeja was named Player of the Match after hitting 175 runs and taking nine wickets in the game.

 All-rounder Axar Patel has returned to the group ahead of the final Test, which begins on Saturday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and will be a day-night affair. 

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Axar Patel has been recalled to India’s team for the second Test against Sri Lanka . Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm wristspinner, has been removed from the team and has been replaced by the left-arm orthodox spinner.

In the first Test, Kuldeep was not used because India choose Jayant Yadav as their third spinner. Jayant was bowled out in both innings, as his spin partners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja took 15 wickets between them.

Kuldeep Yadav last played for India in a Test match in February 2021. The left-arm spinner has appeared in seven Test matches for India, taking 26 wickets at a strike rate of 23.85. In Test cricket, Kuldeep has had two five-wicket hauls.

In order to tie the two-match rubber, Sri Lanka must win the second Test.