Kuldeep Yadav released from India’s T20I squad for Australia series: here’s why

The BCCI has announced that Kuldeep Yadav has been released from the Indian squad to allow the left-handed wrist spinner to participate in the India A series against South Africa A. Kuldeep had earlier been part of the first and second T20Is against Australia but missed out on the third match against the Kangaroos today.

​“The Indian team management has requested to release Kuldeep Yadav from the ongoing T20I series to allow him to participate in the India A series against South Africa A at the BCCI COE,” the BCCI wrote in a post on X.

​“The decision has been taken to provide Kuldeep with red-ball game time in preparation for the upcoming Test series against South Africa,” the Indian cricket board added.

​Kuldeep Yadav had also been a part of the Indian ODI setup for the three ODI matches. However, the spinner only got the opportunity to be a part of the side in the final ODI match of the series, where he took 1 wicket for 50 runs.

​In the first Test match against South Africa A, Rishabh Pant-led side defeated the Proteas by 3 wickets on Sunday. Pant, who had earlier injured his foot during the England series, is coming back to action with the 'A' tour, and his performance during the match is also likely to get him a berth once again after the India squad is announced.

India level the T20 series against Australia

​Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav-led India defeated the Kangaroos by 5 wickets on Sunday to level the series 1-1. Yadav also won the toss for the first time in a long while and decided to bowl first in the contest.

​While the Kangaroos lost some early wickets, Tim David's 74 gave them a good platform, and after the wicket of the right-hander, Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Short took over to take the Aussies to a score of 187 in the 20 overs.

​In reply, Abhishek Sharma started off with an explosive start but got out on a score of 25, shortly followed by Shubman Gill on a score of 15. Suryakumar Yadav (24) tried to add some spice to the game but couldn't get beyond the initial start. India looked troubled at one stage after losing four wickets for 111 runs. However, a 49-run knock by Washington Sundar truly brought back the Men in Blue in the game and led the side to the victory