Akshar has reportedly joined the squad in Mohali after regaining full match fitness.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Akshar has already joined the squad in Mohali after regaining full match fitness.
Even though Kuldeep was not picked as a backup of Akshar, the Indian management feels that there is no need for three left-arm spinners in the squad, with Ravindra Jadeja also part of the group. Moreover, the 18-member squad features R Ashwin and Jayant Yadav as well.
While announcing the Test squad last month, the BCCI had stated that "Akshar Patel is currently undergoing his rehab and is not available for selection for the first Test. He will be assessed later to ascertain his selection for the second Test."
Akshar Patel is making a comeback to the squad after a long time. He has been out of action since the Mumbai Test against New Zealand in December last year.
Besides Kuldeep, second batting coach Apurva Desai, trainer Anand Date and physio Partho have also been released. However, Sairaj Bahutule has been retained and he will continue to stay with the team for the second Test.
India dominated the Mohali Test and thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
India's Test Squad:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Priyank Panchal, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, R Ashwin (subject to fitness clearance), Akshar Patel, Saurabh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain).
(With Cricbuzz inputs)