The Indian cricket team led by Shubman Gill is currently gearing up for the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy which will be played in Manchester but a key question hangs over team selection: should Kuldeep Yadav be brought into the playing XI for this must-win clash?
With the series slipping away at 1-2, many feel the moment might be right for the left-arm wrist-spinner to make his return to red-ball cricket.
Kuldeep has remained on the sidelines for the first three Tests, with the Indian think tank under head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill favouring Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as the primary spin options. Despite his recent form, Kuldeep’s name has not featured in the starting lineup so far, raising eyebrows among fans and experts alike.
However, Kuldeep’s childhood coach Kapil Yadav believes the decision to leave him out may be hurting the team more than it appears. While he acknowledges that India have performed competitively and that the fast bowlers delivered in key moments, Kapil emphasises that Kuldeep’s form has been exceptional and overlooking him at critical junctures could prove costly.
Reflecting on the recent third Test, Kapil pointed out that many had anticipated Kuldeep’s inclusion but the management chose to stick with a pace-heavy attack. He added that although the team’s overall bowling performance has not been lacking, the batters have faltered more often and that using Kuldeep strategically could give India the edge they need at this stage of the series.
Kapil referenced Kuldeep’s standout performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup where he played a pivotal role throughout the tournament. He insisted that the spinner is currently at the peak of his powers and deserves an opportunity when it counts. Though Kuldeep remains a consistent part of India’s white-ball setup, his Test appearances have been sporadic. Since debuting in 2017, he has played just 13 matches yet managed to claim 56 wickets at an impressive average of 22.16, including four five-wicket hauls.
Kapil Yadav further touched upon the team’s current strategy of bolstering the batting line-up with all-rounders, sometimes at the cost of a specialist bowler. He expressed concern that expecting players like Kuldeep or Jasprit Bumrah to contribute heavily with the bat is unrealistic, especially when the primary issue lies with top-order consistency.
Revealing a recent conversation with Kuldeep, Kapil said that the spinner remains physically fit and mentally prepared for any opportunity that might come his way. He encouraged him to stay focused and assured him that his moment would arrive. According to Kapil, Kuldeep’s morale remains high but like any player, he must be quietly wondering when his chance will come again.
He concluded with confidence in Kuldeep’s ability to make a meaningful impact in Manchester if called upon, stating that the spinner could be a key asset in turning the tide of the series. The final decision, as Kapil pointed out, lies with the team management but for many watching closely, the signs are clear, it might just be time to bring Kuldeep Yadav back into the Test arena. What do you think?
