Former India player-turned-commentator Mohammad Kaif has expressed concern about Kuldeep Yadav’s place in the playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka as well. He stated that Team India had to use Devdutt Padikkal with the ball in the first Test because they lacked an off-spinner. However, India registered a comfortable 165-run win in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The second Test will take place in Colombo from Sunday, August 23, onwards.
During a discussion on Sony Sports, Kaif said, “I am worried about one player – Kuldeep Yadav. He might not play the next match. That’s also possible. Whenever he was given bowling, he was given short spells. He didn’t get long spells. Saransh Jain is an off-spinner. Why did Padikkal come to bowl? It was because the lack of an off-spinner was seen in the middle.”
“When the two left-handers were batting, they were searching for an off-spinner. If they get a turning track and a slow pitch, considering that the absence of an off-spinner was felt and the way Kuldeep was used, I feel that decision might have to be taken. I feel Kuldeep Yadav might not get a chance in the XI. Saransh Jain might get an entry in Colombo,” Kaif again said.
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However, former India batter Ajinkya Rahane urged the team management to play with Kuldeep Yadav if the second Test is played in similar conditions as well.
“If the wicket is like this, I want Team India to back Kuldeep Yadav because he is a high-quality bowler. He is a match-winner and a wicket-taker. He will have to be played here because he has come into the team after a long time. So he will have to be given a chance again,” he said.
“How do you build a player’s confidence? Replacing someone is very easy. When there are three spinners, one guy will bowl fewer overs. Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled very well here, but if the conditions are the same, I feel Team India should back Kuldeep Yadav and increase his confidence,” Rahane concluded.
