 "Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets in the first innings of the opening Test against South Africa. Image: AFP")
India spinner Kuldeep Yadav has reportedly asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to release him from the Indian squad later this month because of personal reasons. According to a report in the Times of India, Kuldeep is planning to get married in the last week of November and wants a short break from national duties.
Kuldeep Yadav to miss a part of South Africa series?
The report added that Kuldeep had planned his wedding earlier this year, but the ceremony had to be postponed due to the late finish of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which got extended due to a war between India and Pakistan. The spinner has now reportedly requested leave from the board with new dates finalised for his wedding.
“Kuldeep’s wedding is planned for the last week of Nov. The team management will assess when they will need his services before granting him the exact number of leaves,” the Times of India quoted a BCCI source as saying.
India are scheduled to play the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati starting November 22. After that, the three-match ODI series between the two sides will begin on November 30 in Ranchi. Kuldeep’s request means the team management will have to decide when they need him and how many days he can be granted leave.
Kuldeep played the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens on Friday, where he took two important wickets in the middle overs and supported Jasprit Bumrah in India’s dominant bowling performance. There was a big debate regarding his selection before the first Test, with the team management showing faith in him. South Africa were bowled out for just 159 runs despite a strong start from their openers.
Apart from Bumrah and Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj also picked up two wickets, while Axar Patel took one scalp to his name. India started their innings nicely before Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed by Marco Jansen for 12 runs. KL Rahul and Washington Sundar will continue India’s effort on Day 2 as they aim to post a big total and finish the game with an innings to spare.