‘You feel bad for yourself’: Kuldeep Yadav's candid reaction on being left out of India's playing XI

Ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who is currently shining bright with the ball in the County Championship, talked about what if feels to sit out of India's playing XI. Kuldeep's red-ball career remains one of the most puzzling narratives in modern Indian cricket. Despite debuting in 2017 against Australia, the wrist-spinner has been restricted to a mere 19 Test caps, repeatedly finding himself on the periphery across different coaching eras. The trend continued during India's recent second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, where selectors opted for Saransh Jain over Kuldeep in a match that eventually ended in a draw. His exile isn't limited to the multi-day format either; both Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy have moved ahead of him in the T20I pecking order.

Kuldeep Speaks Out on being benched being benched

Rather than letting the disappointment linger, the 31-year-old has chosen to make a statement on the English county circuit. Representing Yorkshire, Kuldeep delivered a bowling masterclass to orchestrate an innings victory over Essex. He bagged a historic ten-wicket match haul—the first of his First-Class career—anchored by a sublime 6 for 50 in the second innings.

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'Sometimes you just have to go with the team combination'

The stunning performance served as a stark reminder of his credentials, particularly after spending the entire five-Test tour of England on the bench last year without receiving a single game. Reflecting on his extended spell on the sidelines during an interview with Neil Manthorp and Steve Harmison on talkSPORT, Kuldeep acknowledged the mental toll of missing out while staying practical about team dynamics. He noted that strategic balances often dictate selection decisions, admitting that while it naturally hurts to be left out of the playing XI, sitting on the bench is an unfortunate reality players must accept.

“Sometimes you just have to go with the team combination or strategy, unfortunately or fortunately. Definitely, you feel bad for yourself when you’re not playing, when you’re not part of the playing XI. You want to play because when you are in the squad, you want to play, but sometimes it doesn’t happen because of whatever the management thinks. Last year, I was hoping to get a chance in a few games, but it’s okay. Maybe next time,” Kuldeep said.

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When asked if his standout County performance was meant to send a message to national selectors, Kuldeep rejected the idea, emphasizing that his trip to England was driven purely by a desire to play freely. He explained that his primary goal was simply to enjoy the game again, noting that a relaxed mindset naturally brings out his best performances on the field.

The wrist-spinner underscored that gaining exposure to English domestic cricket was about personal development rather than satisfying external critics. He highlighted how navigating foreign conditions builds adaptability, offering challenges distinct from the familiar pitches back home in India. Exploring variations in climate and pitch behavior across different regions—from the drier surfaces in the south to the colder, seam-friendly conditions in Yorkshire, helps sharpen his craft against diverse environments.