India is missing left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo after he is sidelined by a viral infection. Shubman Gill wins the toss and opts to bat first as India make one change to the playing XI, bringing in debutant Saransh Jain.
The outlets agree that the BCCI states Kuldeep has not fully recovered and is unavailable for selection in the starting XI. The BCCI also says he could still take the field as a concussion substitute if required. In the lead-up to the match, coverage notes Kuldeep did not train with the team and did not bowl in the nets, while Jain received an extended run, raising questions over selection.
Both accounts place the decision in the context of India’s ongoing bid to build on a 1-0 series lead following a win in the opener at Galle. While one outlet focuses on Gill’s and the board’s explanation for Kuldeep’s absence, the other emphasizes the immediate team-management signals before the toss, alongside Jain’s debut after domestic performances.
