India’s premier left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has remained on the bench for the first three matches of the five-Test series in England. As the fourth Test at Old Trafford draws closer, Kuldeep’s childhood coach Kapil Dev Pandey feels the time has come for the spinner to get his due.Pandey voiced his belief in Kuldeep’s form and readiness, asserting that the spinner can make an impact if given a chance. With India trailing 1-2 in the series — following a loss at Lord’s, a thrilling win at Edgbaston, and a defeat at Headingley — pressure is mounting on the visitors to opt for a more balanced bowling attack. Pandey believes Kuldeep could be the missing piece.“Kuldeep not playing doesn’t seem to hold much value in the current context, because Team India has been playing well. In the third Test, many expected him to feature, but the fast bowlers did the job and picked up wickets,” he told IANS.Still, Pandey pointed out that Kuldeep is possibly in the best phase of his career right now. “Kuldeep Yadav is in top form right now. He was lethal during the ODI World Cup and bowled brilliantly throughout the tournament. Not playing him at the right moments has cost India heavily. In the recent matches, it’s the batters who have failed, not the bowlers.”Highlighting the importance of clarity in roles and realistic expectations, Pandey noted how bowlers can be unfairly judged.
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Should Kuldeep Yadav be included in the playing XI for the fourth Test?
“You can’t expect someone like Kuldeep or even Bumrah to score 100 runs — that would be unrealistic.”Kuldeep, who made his Test debut in March 2017, has featured in just 13 matches so far despite performing consistently when given opportunities. His coach, however, is confident that the 29-year-old remains focused and prepared.
With Old Trafford known to assist spinners, particularly in the latter half of the match, Kuldeep’s variety could offer India better control in the middle overs — an area that has proved challenging in the series so far.Commenting on India’s bowling composition, Pandey said the pacers have done well but leaving out Kuldeep has been a missed opportunity.
“I’ve spoken to Kuldeep recently, and I told him to stay fit and be ready to deliver whenever given a chance. All we can do is hope — the final decision lies with the coach and the captain. But there’s no doubt that Kuldeep is currently one of the finest and most senior spinners in the country.“Yes, his morale is high, but deep down he must also be wondering when he’ll get his chance — after all, he’s only human,” Pandey said. “He can be a crucial asset for Team India in Manchester. I spoke to him; he’s focused.”As India aim to bounce back in the fourth Test, calls for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion are growing stronger — and Manchester might finally mark his return to red-ball cricket.
