'It is tough when you switch from IPL to red-ball cricket': Kuldeep Yadav ahead of India vs Afghanistan one-off Test

Switching between radically different formats in a short span of time is never an easy task, concedes senior Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Heading into this week's one-off Test against Afghanistan, the left-arm wrist-spinner expressed hope that his teammates, many of whom are coming fresh off a grueling IPL season—have adequately prepared for the transition, much like he did by logging extended red-ball practice sessions.

ALSO READ: India's 32-yr-old wicketkeeper-batter announces retirement ahead of one-off Test against Afghanistan

It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket: Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep’s personal preparation was aided by an early conclusion to his franchise commitments, as the Delhi Capitals failed to make the IPL playoffs. The spinner himself endured a relatively underwhelming T20 campaign, managing to claim only 10 wickets across 12 games. Right ahead of the one-off Test match scheduled to begin on June 6, Kuldeep revealed that he utilized the extra time to spend the past two weeks in intensive net sessions, specifically designed to help him regain his rhythm and get back into the red-ball groove.

"It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket. Preparation becomes very necessary. Luckily, I got time. I practised for at least 10 to 15 days and got the feel of the red ball. In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. You stay in the game with that mindset. But in Test cricket, it's not like that. The batter has a lot of time," Kuldeep told JioHotstar.

"Some players are coming straight after the IPL final. They don't have that much time. But I'm sure they have prepared well. So yes, it's a challenge, but I'm confident that everyone is preparing themselves well," he added.

ALSO READ: BCCI to announce Virat Kohli's replacement for ODI series against Afghanistan on this date

From Kuldeep's perspective, the ultimate foundation of successful Test preparation relies on maintaining immense patience and focusing heavily on the finer details of execution.

"Consistency of bowling on a good length matter. That is a big challenge. Tactics matter a lot. Which angles you are bowling from, which crease position you are using, all these become very important. Small things like giving flight to the ball, deceiving the batter in the air, using the red ball well. There are many things, but for that you need time," he further said.

We will also miss Jaddu bhai, Axar Patel: Kuldeep

If Kuldeep is named in the playing XI, it will mark a historic first for his international career. For the very first time since his debut, the wrist-spinner will take the field in a Test match without either of his veteran partners, Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja, by his side. Ashwin has officially retired from the game, while Jadeja has been rested for this specific assignment, leaving Kuldeep as the undisputed leader of the spin attack.

Kuldeep openly acknowledged that the team will certainly feel the absence of Jadeja, as well as the experienced Axar Patel, for this fixture. However, he expressed immense confidence in India's next generation of spin talent. The senior spinner backed rookies Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, stating he has full faith in their skills and their ability to rise to the occasion and shine at the highest level.

"Yes, Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) is not there, as he is a regular Test player. We will also miss Axar Patel in the Test match. But the preparations have been good."

"Many youngsters are here - Harsh, Manav. Washi (Washington Sundar) is also playing Test cricket quite regularly now, so he is well settled in the set-up." The seasoned spinner is also well aware of his revamped role in the side and the added responsibility of helping the rookies. But instead of being a traditional mentor, he is looking to be a "partner" to Suthar and Dubey," he concluded.

India’s squad for one-off Test against Afghanistan:

Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)