{
  "id": 2921710,
  "title": "Kuldeep Yadav's mysterious absence: Was viral illness used as cover for him being dropped from India's Test XI vs Sri Lanka?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/kuldeep-yadavs-mysterious-absence-was-viral-illness-used-as-cover-for",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-24T02:23:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kuldeep-yadavs-mysterious-absence-viral-022331034.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Kuldeep Yadav's unexpected absence from India's Test XI against Sri Lanka has sparked speculation about the true reason behind his exclusion. The 33-year-old wrist-spinner was replaced by 33-year-old Saransh Jain in the second Test in Colombo, despite reports of a viral illness and throat issue. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially explained his absence as a result of not having fully recovered from the illness, but this explanation appeared inconsistent with earlier statements from the team. Over the course of three days, the BCCI's official narrative shifted from no injury concern to a viral infection, leaving many questioning whether the illness was the actual reason for his omission or if it was merely a cover story.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "IND vs SL, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill Wins Toss & Chooses To Bat; Saransh Jain Handed Debut Replacing Kuldeep Yadav",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/ind-vs-sl-2nd-test-shubman-gill-wins-toss-chooses-to-bat-saransh-jain",
        "published": "2026-08-23T04:17:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Kuldeep Yadav OUT Saransh Jain IN: Oldest players to make their Test debut for India listed",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/kuldeep-yadav-out-saransh-jain-in-oldest-players-to-make-their-test",
        "published": "2026-08-23T04:42:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Will Rishabh Pant bat on day 2 of Sri Lanka Test? India coach answers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/will-rishabh-pant-bat-on-day-2-of-sri-lanka-test-india-coach-answers",
        "published": "2026-08-24T03:26:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Pant, Jurel guide India to 419-6 at lunch on Day 2 of the 2nd cricket test against Sri Lanka",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/pant-jurel-guide-india-to-419-6-at-lunch-on-day-2-of-the-2nd-cricket",
        "published": "2026-08-24T07:21:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}