India spinner Kuldeep Yadav is currently in England for the upcoming Test series which is scheduled to start from June 20. With Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement, Kuldeep is spending more time with Ravindra Jadeja on the tour of England.
Ashwin's retirement has put more responsibility on Jadeja, who has played 12 Tests in England. However, experts advised that Kuldeep will play a crucial role in England as India are looking for their first series win in England since 2007. Spinner will most likely to get help at the venues Birmingham, Lord's and the Oval.
"The wickets are looking good for spinners. It has been good for batting (in Intra Squad game here). First day there was moisture, seamers got help but as the game progressed, spinners got in the game," Kuldeep said on the sidelines of the Intra Squad game here.
The wrist spinner said he hopes to get some assistance from the surfaces over the course of the five games.
"There is bounce for spinners on this surface. Today is day three, I am yet to bowl. The ball is turning a bit and I hope it is the same in the series as well," said Kuldeep.
Kuldeep also opened up on Ashwin's absence in the dressing room as he announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
"Playing alongside Jaddu bhai is an honour. Jaddu and Ash have been brilliant for India. When I made my debut they helped me a lot.
"I am now having regular chats with Jaddu bhai on how to bowl to certain batters. I am spending a lot of time with him both on and off the field. It helps me a lot tactic wise. We have been talking about field placements and he has given me clues as well."
Kuldeep who made his Test debut in Australia on March 25 in 2017 has played 13 Test matches where he picked up 56 wickets. His last Test appearance came against New Zealand at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
India squad for England series
Shubman Gill(C), Rishabh Pant(vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Parishdh Krishna, Akashdeep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav