Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has strongly backed Kuldeep Yadav’s place in India’s playing XI across all three formats, describing the left-arm wrist-spinner as the country’s only genuine specialist spinner and a proven match-winner. Speaking to RevSportz, Prasad stressed that Kuldeep’s unique skill set makes him an indispensable asset for Team India despite the presence of experienced spin-bowling all-rounders such as Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar.
Since making his international debut against Australia in the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kuldeep has established himself as one of India’s most effective wicket-taking spinners. The 31-year-old has claimed 79 wickets in 18 Tests, 194 wickets in 121 One-Day Internationals, and 95 wickets in 54 T20Is, underlining his consistency across formats.
Despite his impressive white-ball record, Kuldeep found himself on the sidelines during India’s recent ODI series in England, where he did not feature in a single match. However, he has retained his place in India’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
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“Kuldeep is the only genuine spinner in this side, while others, be it Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel or Washington Sundar, are spin all-rounders. He is a genuine match-winner, and the record speaks for itself. Kuldeep should be in the team’s scheme of things across all three formats,” MSK Prasad said.
Competition for a place in the playing XI remains intense, with young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar also in contention after making an impressive Test debut, where he claimed a six-wicket haul. Suthar’s lower-order batting ability further strengthens his case.
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However, Prasad believes Kuldeep’s rare qualities should take precedence. He pointed out that Suthar made his Test debut when Jadeja was rested and could have waited for another opportunity. According to the former selector, quality chinaman bowlers are exceptionally rare, and Kuldeep’s control, variation, and ability to change matches make him a player India should continue backing in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
