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India's left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has been warming the bench in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. While pacers get the preference in the English conditions, the team management has opted to go for Washington Sundar as secondary spinner in last two Tests to make the batting lineup deep. After just one scalp in three innings, Sundar registered a four-wicket haul at Lord's to help India bowl out England for 192. Ahead of the fourth Test, Kuldeep's childhood coach, Kapil Dev Pandey said that the absence of the wrist spinner has hurt India on occassions.
“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.
“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.”
At Edgbaston, Birmingham, captain Shubman Gill revealed that there was a temptation to play Kuldeep but they wanted to strengthen the batting with Sundar's inclusion. Pandey feels that it is unrealistic to demand big runs from bowlers.
“You can’t expect someone like Kuldeep or even Bumrah to score 100 runs — that would be unrealistic,” he said.
Kuldeep's last Test appearance was nine months ago at home. Having made his Test debut eight years ago, he has played just 13 Tests and taken 56 wickets at an average of 22.16, including four five-wicket hauls. He was instrumental in the home series against England last year.
Phone call with Kuldeep
Despite the continued snub, Kuldeep remains hopeful and focused. Pandey said that while his morale high, it is natural for anyone to feel disappointed, wondering when he'll get to play.
“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.”
The fourth Test of the series starts on July 23. India have never won a Test at the Old Trafford, Manchester. In addition, Indian bowlers have never taken all 20 England wickets at the venue. Considering spinners' record in Manchester, there is a chance Kuldeep gets the nod from head coach Gautam Gambhir and Gill.
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