Akshar Patel has been included in the squad for the second last series of the Test against Sri Lanka in Bangalore from March 12th. “The All-India Senior Selection Committee has added Akshar Patel to India’s squad for the second Paytm Test to be played from 12-16th March in Bengaluru. The all-rounder has completed his rehab and has been cleared by the BCCI Medical Team,” said the top cricket body in a media release considering him as the apt replacement for Kuldeep Yadav.
Kuldeep has featured in only a handful of matches for India over the last couple of years and had undergone surgery last year. But since he did not get a game against Sri Lanka in the first Test, with Jayant Yadav getting the nod ahead of him, the future looks a bit uncertain for Kuldeep.
The left-arm spinner has had a tremendous start to his Test career, bagging 36 wickets from just five Tests at a stunning average of 11.86. In India’s last pink-ball Test at home against England in Ahmedabad last year – Akshar had registered a match-haul of 11/70. His effort helped India decimate England in only two days. He was subsequently ruled out after the first Test against New Zealand, due to a shin injury.
Men in blue won the first Test in Mohali by an inning and 222 runs. The match that marked a milestone for the former captain Kohli came as dismal as he failed to touch a century. However, he still looks to end his century drought when the team lock horns in Bangalore.