Now Reading: Kuldeep Yadav’s spot in doubt for second Sri Lanka Test
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Kuldeep Yadav’s spot in doubt for second Sri Lanka Test
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has defended Kuldeep Yadav after he took just one wicket in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Bahutule said the team management still sees…
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has defended Kuldeep Yadav after he took just one wicket in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Bahutule said the team management still sees Kuldeep as a match-winner and part of their plans, and that one match should not decide his future.
Kuldeep took only one wicket from 25 overs across two innings, while Manav Suthar picked up 10 wickets and Ravindra Jadeja supported him well. Bahutule said the soft ball and conditions in Galle made it harder for wrist spinners like Kuldeep compared to finger spinners. He added that Kuldeep had to adapt his role according to the pitch and match situation.
The second Test begins on August 23 in Colombo. Saransh Jain has joined the squad, raising questions about the playing XI. Bahutule praised Suthar as a 'banker' for the team. The final decision on Kuldeep's place will be clear when the playing XI is announced on match day.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Kuldeep Yadav has been India's most successful wrist spinner in Tests, but conditions in Sri Lanka this series have favoured finger spinners who can extract turn from worn surfaces. The Kookaburra ball losing its shine early is a known factor, it reduces the bite for wrist spinners. Suthar's 10-wicket haul has put pressure on Kuldeep, but the team may persist with him given his proven record, especially on a Colombo pitch that might offer more assistance. The selection call will also depend on whether India want a left-arm wrist spinner to complement Jadeja's left-arm orthodox or bring in another right-arm option. The final XI on August 23 will show the team's long-term plan for Kuldeep.
alternative: Suthar's rise from domestic cricket to a 10-wicket haul in his second Test puts India in a rare position of having three quality spinners competing for two spots. Kuldeep has been a match-winner overseas, but on Lankan pitches finger spinners have historically dominated. The team management's decision will signal whether they back Kuldeep's class or favour the in-form bowler for this series.
Source: aajtak.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
