Sri Lanka Vs India 2017: Jayant Yadav Or Axar Patel In Line To Be Included For Third Test

While Kuldeep Yadav looks likely to replace suspended Ravindra Jadeja in the playing eleven for the third and final Test against Sri Lanka scheduled to be played at Pallekele from August 12, left-arm spinner Axar Patel or off-spinner Jayant Yadav could be included in the squad as a cover for the chinaman spinner. Jadeja, who was the Man of the Match in the second Test at Colombo, was handed an one-match suspension for throwing the ball in a ‘dangerous manner’ towards the batsman in the second innings.

Patel is currently in South Africa with India A side for the ongoing tri-series which will end on Tuesday (August 9) with Manish Pandey & Co. taking on the hosts and has taken 6 wickets in three games. On the other hand, Jayant, who was a part of the ODI team for the tri-series and was also in the squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, has returned to India after the death of his father.

Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad is currently in Pallekele and is expected to take a call after discussions with coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli.

“Since Axar will be finishing his one day engagements by Tuesday evening, he can join the team by Thursday (August 10). Logically, he is a like for like replacement in absence of Jadeja,” a BCCI official told PTI.

The official further stated that since Jayant was a part of the team during the home season, he can also get the nod ahead of Axar.

“If one looks at how the selectors have gone about their job, the four premier Test spinners during home series were Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja, Jayant and Kuldeep. While Kuldeep is ahead in pecking order, if selectors follow the pattern, then Jayant can also be summoned,” the official said.

Meanwhile, India have already wrapped the series by winning the first two Test of the three-match series and would be looking to inflict a whitewash on the struggling hosts.