Ravichandran Ashwin decoded Kuldeep Yadav's struggles as the wrist spinner's poor form continued during India's victory in the opening Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. While two Indian spinners in Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja had a field day in both innings, Kuldeep failed to make an impact.
The wrist spinner finished with figures of 1-65 in the first innings while failing to get even a single wicket in the second innings (0-37). On the other hand, Suthar took a 10-wicket haul (4-76 and 6-55) while Jadeja took four wickets (3-57 and 1-71) in the match.
Ashwin explained that Kuldeep is a different bowler to the left-arm spin duo and cannot succeed bowling with the old bowl in Sri Lanka. The second-highest wicket-taker in Indian Test cricket urged the team to bowl him in the first 30 overs.
"People will question because Jadeja took the wicket from one end Suthar took wickets on the other end. Kuldeep is the third spinner. When me and Jaddu were playing. He was the third spinner. He is still the third spinner. It is not easy to play as a 3rd or 4th spinner in an 11. If a partnership is going on and you are bringing a bowler to break it, it is very difficult. It is not easy to bowl to a bowler. And this Kukubara ball – it is not easy to bowl to a Sri Lankan bowler after 30 overs. It slows down. What kind of a spinner is Kuldeep Yadav? He is not a fast spinner into the wicket. If you have seen Indian Test cricket historically in the last 10-15 years, the ball is old, and Jadeja bowls more," said Ashwin in a video on his Youtube channel.
"Why does Jadeja bowl more? Because Jadeja's hand is very fast. You need that air speed to defeat a batsman when the wicket is slowing down. And Manav Suthar bowls well with a new ball. So, honestly, if Kuldeep has to bowl in this condition, it has to be in the first 30 overs. You cannot bring him late. And a spinner's rhythm cannot be formed from small spells. Already, as it is, his confidence is not that high. He has not played much. A bowler's confidence is low. I had told you in the preview that it is important to support him. And when KL. Rahul came out after lunch today, he started with Kuldeep Yadav. Shubman was out of the field," Ashwin added.
Ashwin claimed that it is possible that skipper Shubman Gil does not prefer him and claimed it is not Kuldeep's fault. He called for the team management to back him more.
"So, there are 2-3 things in this. Maybe he is not the preferred priority for Shubman Gill as a captain. He is not a preferred priority for him. It is a very, very difficult situation Kuldeep is finding himself in. I have all the sympathies. Did he lose his skill? That didn't happen. He is playing a game after sitting outside for a long time and didn't use him properly in that game as well. It is not the player's fault. I still think Kuldeep Yadav has the skill. He has to use it properly. And I don't see any reason to continue him further and back him as well," Ashwin stated.
Later, replying to an audience query over whether Kuldeep is coming into the attack late, Ashwin said it is clear that there is no trust and backing for him.
"Look, this is a sign that there is no trust. The fact that he is not being backed. That is the thing. Is this a sign that the next game Saransh (Jain) can be brought to the team? We don't know that. But I think if you want to bring the third spinner, I think it has to be continued with Kuldeep Yadav.
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Disclaimer: This article summarizes a report by Ravichandran Ashwin. While Times Now has verified the public data presented, the interpretations of 'intent' remain those of the creator.
Aayush Kataria is a Senior Copy Editor at Times Network with four years of experience, having started his career in the organisation. He is a key memb… View More