India's ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav has a feeling that the next four to five years will be critical period for him in the longest format of the game. Kuldeep's remark came right ahead of the second Test between India and South Africa, which is slated to get underway from November 22 in Guwahati. Kuldeep stated his intention to shape these years by intensely focusing on both his fitness and on delivering high-quality performances on the field.
Playing in all formats for India is a luxury: Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep, who has often found himself overlooked in Test cricket selections, acknowledged that representing India across all three formats is a luxury in itself. He concluded by saying that he is thoroughly enjoying every moment of playing for the national team.
“I am very clear as an attacking bowler, I know my role over the years. The coach and the captain have given me a lot of clarity and support. I always keep an attacking mindset and bowl accordingly. That’s my job: taking wickets. That’s how they look at me,” Kuldeep said on JioStar’s ‘Follow The Blues’.
“Everyone loves Test cricket. It’s a format that everyone enjoys, but it’s also very challenging. Obviously, you want to play in all formats, but if you get a chance to play Test cricket, you enjoy it. Playing in all formats for India is a luxury. The next 4–5 years are very important for me in Test cricket, so I will focus on maintaining my fitness and keep performing like this,” he added.
'When you’re playing against a good team, you get a lot of confidence: Siraj
As India prepare for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, pace bowler Mohammed Siraj shared his enthusiasm for facing tough opponents, stating he particularly enjoys the challenge presented by the Proteas. Siraj explained that taking wickets against high-quality batsmen instills significant confidence.
“When you’re playing against a good team, and you’re bowling against good batsmen and taking their wickets, you get a lot of confidence. Because when you play against a strong team, you quickly realise where you’re making a mistake. So, it’s good that I’m playing against a team like South Africa. It’s a lot of fun,” Siraj said.
The Test match in Guwahati is notable as the venue is making its debut on the international Test circuit. Due to the sun setting early in the eastern part of the country, the match schedule has been adjusted as the play will begin 30 minutes earlier at 9:00 am to maximise daylight, meaning the tea break will be taken before the lunch interval. Indian batter Sai Sudharsan commented on the unique playing conditions, expressing that this change is also an exciting prospect for the team.
“I don’t mind having tea before lunch, I already drink tea during lunch, so I’ll probably enjoy it. Of course, it’s new, but we’ll get used to it. It’s exciting to explore,” Sudharsan stated.
India would not want to end the series on a sour note, having already lost the home series to New Zealand 0-3. Meanwhile, Gill's availability for the second Test against South Africa, is still not certain as he is nursing a neck injury which he picked in the series opener at the Eden Gardens stadium.