Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his concern on Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in the ODI squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies. The three-match ODI series will serve as the first hurdle for Kuldeep who hasn't played any sort of cricket in the last six months, after getting injured while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). To his concern, Harbhajan has suggested that it will be a tough road ahead for the 27-year-old after a long time out.
"It will be a very tough road ahead for Kuldeep. He hasn't had any proper domestic games under his belt and it's not easy to make an international comeback just like that," Harbhajan said while speaking to PTI.
The Kanpur-born spinner will be an essential tool of the armory for captain Rohit Sharma as Team India were unable to trouble the South African batters in the middle overs, in the recently concluded ODI series. Harbhajan shared the dressing room with Kuldeep during their time together in the KKR camp last year. Harbhajan, who retired recently from international cricket, did the same job for Team India during his playing days by scalping wickets at regular intervals.
"He wasn't playing regularly before surgery and when you are making a comeback in white ball, the first thing that's at the back of your mind is 'I don't want to get hit'.
"So it's like striking a balance as you are naturally dealing with a lot of insecurities. It's a test of mental fortitude," the 41-year-old added.
"Let me make it clear. If he gets a couple of early wickets, he will be a different bowler but things may not go as per plan. It might take some time for him to get back the rhythm.
"My only suggestion would be that stick with him since you have shown conviction based on his past performances and give him enough time and confidence. He is a man who can deliver the goods for India," Harbhajan concluded.
Kuldeep's fitness shouldn't be an issue for the team management, but his long time away from the game could see him lose some bearings. The Indian team will face West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad before the action moves to T20I cricket. All the ODI games will take place at the same venue while Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host the three T20Is. The series begins on February 6.
