Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from India’s squad while left-arm spinner Akshar Patel has joined the team after regaining full fitness.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, India pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Friday (March 11) said Kuldeep hasn't been removed from the team but released due to a 'mental aspect'.

WATCH - ‘As professional cricketers, we need to adjust quickly”, Jasprit Bumrah on pink-ball Test

Notably, the chinaman bowler was part of the Indian squad in the T20I series against Sri Lanka and the preceding white-ball series against West Indies as well and thus, has been in the bubble for an extended period.

"We have not removed him (Kuldeep Yadav) from the team. He has been in the bubble for along time and hence he has been released. Staying in a bubble is not easy. The mental aspect is important," said Bumrah in the press conference on the eve of the pink-ball Test.

"Akshar Patel has added a lot of value whenever he has played, has contributed a lot and offers a lot in all departments. He was injured but he jumps straight back in when he's fit. We'll discuss our combination but of course he's valuable," he added.

With the return of Akshar Patel, who did wonders in his debut Test season with both ball and bat, the hosts are expected to make a change in their playing XI for the day-night Test. Off-spinner Jayant Yadav, who was wicketless in the opening Test, might make way for Akshar in the line-up.

India outplayed Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Mohali to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The home team piled up 574/8 (declared) on the board and then bowled out Sri Lanka for 174 and 178 to win the match by an innings and 222 runs.

(With Times Now inputs)