![Kuldeep Yadav hasn't been given a fair run in Tests [Source: @doncricket_/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1752686255441_Kuldeep_Yadav_Tests.jpg?type=mq)
Kuldeep Yadav hasn't been given a fair run in Tests [Source: @doncricket_/X]
"Kuldeep Yadav is possibly the best wrist spinner since Shane Warne,” had said Australian talisman Greg Chappell, and, rightly so, while explaining why India needed to include the seasoned campaigner in their playing XI for the second Test against England. The statement held significant substance, as it came from someone who had seen Warne from close quarters.
In fact, the spin king himself sang praises of the Indian tweaker, often rating him highly for his ability to outfox the batters with pure skills. However, much contrary to the popular belief, Kuldeep warmed the bench in the first three Tests, making the Indian dugout his regular habitat on match days.
A Career That Couldn't Take Off Despite Promising Start
Test cricket is the toughest of all formats as players need not only stamina but also incredible skills to nail it. However, Kuldeep Yadav cracked the code at the earliest stage of his career, living up to the expectations and passing the challenge with flying colours.
Fifty-six wickets at an average of 22.16 and a strike rate of 37.38; the numbers seldom get any better for a rookie in Test cricket. Despite his career undergoing radical shifts, Kuldeep proved to be India’s all-weather talisman, conquering different conditions with ease and grace.
But what should make people scratch their heads is that despite such a prolific start, Kuldeep has represented India in just 13 Tests since his debut in 2017.
A career that seemed destined for greatness finds itself stuck in the quicksand of transition, with India strangely prioritising batting depth over bowling excellence in a format that emphasises the art of taking 20 wickets as the primary criterion to succeed.
Old School Tactic Overruled By New-Age Demands
Kuldeep has been India’s go-to man in the middle overs after undergoing rigorous remodelling in his action post-injury. The left-arm chinaman spinner has bagged 62 ODI wickets in 39 appearances since January 2023, oozing red-hot form in the format.
Being a specialist spinner, he provides India with a highly potent option with the ball. For a bowling unit already blessed with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep's wrist spin could serve as a deadly sword and allow India to unleash an all-out attack against England's swashbucklers.
However, his expertise seems less appealing in an era where batting depth apparently holds strategic edge over the traditional practice of taking the opposition head-on by keeping a wicket-taking wizard in the mix.
A Rethink Needed With Results Not Going India's Way?
One thing for sure, India have been quite unorthodox and experimental in their way of playing Tests of late. However, as the approach hasn’t yielded remarkable results, they might switch to traditional decision-making and bring in a proper spinner who can actually make things happen, rather than playing the waiting game.
If the Indian management of the 90s had tested Anil Kumble's batting prowess before handing him his Test debut, a ten-for at Kotla may have remained a fantasy. If Harbhajan Singh had borne the brunt of not being a multi-dimensional player, India wouldn't have scripted their greatest-ever Test victory at Eden Gardens.
Kuldeep's case is no different, as he deserves to be one of the first-choice eleven men, solely based on his primary skill.
Time Is Running Out For India’s Underutilised Weapon
Kuldeep Yadav not getting the team management’s nod for a place in the Test side was quite understandable when Ravichandran Ashwin was an active cricketer. However, when the legendary off-spinner hung up his boots, Kuldeep was an obvious first-choice to fill his shoes.
However, contrary to expectations, India continued to prefer all-rounders over him, considering their credentials as superior batters. It’s sheer injustice to Kuldeep, who has done nothing wrong, to be kept on the sidelines.
The last time India faced England before this tour, Kuldeep emerged as their wrecker-in-chief with the ball, rattling the opposition with 19 scalps in four Tests. If such a mind-boggling performance wasn’t sufficient for someone to retain his place, then what would be?
The fact that Kuldeep is about to be 31 in December is only going to make things tougher for the revival of his Test career. As a spinner gets older, his ability to put more revs only goes downhill, making him a comparatively lesser threat than his younger self. So, if India want to reap the rewards of Kuldeep’s spin artistry, it’s either now or never.
