India may have taken a commanding 1-0 lead in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, but the performance of Kuldeep Yadav has sparked debate ahead of the second Test in Colombo. The experienced left-arm wrist-spinner finished the Galle Test with figures of 1/103 from 25 overs, leaving him as the least successful member of India’s three-pronged left-arm spin attack. Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja dominated the bowling charts, accounting for 14 of Sri Lanka’s 20 wickets.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna also made valuable contributions, claiming five wickets between them. With Kuldeep struggling to make a similar impact, questions have emerged over whether India should bring off-spinner Saransh Jain into the playing XI. Sri Lanka’s middle order features several left-handed batters, making the prospect of an off-spinner particularly appealing. However, former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad and former Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara believe India should continue backing Kuldeep rather than dropping him after one underwhelming outing.

Speaking to Sony Sports after India’s 165-run victory in Galle, Venkatesh Prasad urged the team management and captain Shubman Gill to show faith in Kuldeep. “Let’s spare a thought for Kuldeep here. I think that’s very important. I would say, Kuldeep, please don’t worry, you’re going to play the next Test match as well,” Prasad said.

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The former pacer acknowledged that selecting Saransh could appear to be an obvious option given Sri Lanka’s left-handers, but insisted that Kuldeep deserved another opportunity. According to Prasad, continued backing could help the spinner regain confidence and deliver in Colombo.

Cheteshwar Pujara shared a similar view, stressing that Kuldeep’s primary responsibility is to take wickets rather than simply keep the scoring rate under control. He compared the wrist-spinner’s role to that of Ravichandran Ashwin, who was also capable of conceding boundaries while still producing match-changing breakthroughs. “Kuldeep’s job is not to attack the rough. I think his job is to pick up wickets. He might be a little expensive in some of his spells, which is fine,” Pujara explained.

The former Indian batter also highlighted Kuldeep’s ability to create opportunities even when the pitch does not offer substantial assistance. According to Pujara, the spinner can extract turn and deceive batters through his variations, making him particularly valuable on flatter surfaces.

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Pujara believes India must back bowlers with wicket-taking ability, especially when conditions are not naturally favourable to spin. He argued that giving Kuldeep confidence could bring out his best and potentially make the difference in a crucial Test. With the second Test scheduled to begin in Colombo on August 23, India faces an important selection decision. While Saransh provides a different bowling option, the backing from Prasad and Pujara suggests Kuldeep could retain his place as India looks to seal the series.