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"They Need To...": Pietersen Backs 'Buddy' Kuldeep In India's Playing XI For Lord's

Soumyajit Dutta

Kevin Pietersen and Kuldeep Yadav [Source: @ANI/X.com]Kevin Pietersen and Kuldeep Yadav [Source: @ANI/X.com]

Kuldeep Yadav's continued absence from India's Test XI in England has been a persistent talking point, momentarily quieted by the team's Edgbaston victory, however, English legend Kevin Pietersen debates the absence. 

While the decision to bench Kuldeep and bolster batting depth with Washington Sundar paid dividends in that win, questions linger about the need for a specialist spinner as the series stands level at 1-1 heading to Lord's.

Pietersen  Stresses India Is Missing Out On Kuldeep

Former England star Kevin Pietersen has added his influential voice to those advocating for Kuldeep's inclusion. 

"They need to play him. India lost a Test match, won a Test match and I think they are missing some sort of variation. I think they are missing variation," Pietersen stated emphatically on the sidelines of the "YOUWECAN CHARITY GALA" in London, as quoted by TOI.

Pietersen revealed a history of tactical discussions with Kuldeep Yadav during their time together at Delhi Capitals while backing him to play the Lord's Test. 

"I sat with him a couple of times when I was mentor with the Delhi Capitals, and I discussed bowling in England with him. I discussed tactics. I had a lot of chat on how to bowl and where to bowl. We spent a lot of time and it will just be nice to see him play. It would be lovely to see him play. He loves bowling, he loves taking wickets. And I want to see my buddy play. I don't like my buddies on the bench," Pietersen added.

Kuldeep Can Be A Threat For England

Kuldeep Yadav has featured in 11 Test innings for India against England, taking 21 wickets at an average of 22.3 and an economy rate of 3.45. His most impactful performances have come against England in 2024, where he claimed 19 wickets in 8 innings at an impressive average of 20.2 and a strike rate of 36.1. 

This run includes a career-best 5/72—his only five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Kuldeep's accuracy and consistency are reflected in his 70.7% dot ball percentage across all Tests, underlining his ability to build pressure. Notably, Kuldeep Yadav has maintained control despite being an attacking spinner, making him a key threat against England’s batting lineup.