Could Kuldeep Be the Unexpected Match-Winner for India Against England?
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Synopsis
Kuldeep Yadav's journey in international cricket has been marked by challenges, but can he rise to the occasion against England? With key players retired, the onus is on him and Jadeja to lead India's spin attack. Venkatapathy Raju believes in Kuldeep's potential as a game-changer. Find out more about this pivotal series!
Key Takeaways
- Kuldeep Yadav has only played 13 Tests in seven years.
- The absence of key players places pressure on Kuldeep and Jadeja.
- Raju believes Kuldeep can surprise with his performance.
- The weather in England could favor spinners as the series advances.
- Adjustments in bowling length are crucial for success in England.
New Delhi, June 15 (NationPress) Although Kuldeep Yadav has been representing India in international cricket for seven years, it's rather surprising that he has only participated in 13 Test matches to date. A blend of form issues, a serious knee injury, and the competition from other spinners has hindered Kuldeep's establishment in the Indian Test lineup.
The last Test Kuldeep played in England was a forgettable experience, as he struggled on a green pitch with rain interruptions at Lord's in 2018. He allowed 44 runs in nine overs and faced a pair as a batsman, marking a significant selection error for India.
With Ravichandran Ashwin now retired, India is in dire need of a potent spin option. All eyes will be on Kuldeep to see if he can rise to the occasion when the series kicks off in Leeds on June 20. Venkatapathy Raju, the former left-arm spinner for India, believes that Kuldeep has the potential to be a surprising match-winner in England.
“A bowler like Kuldeep is hard for new batters to read. Therefore, I believe he should emerge as a surprise match-winner in this series. He has considerable international experience, whether in white-ball or other formats,” Raju commented.
“We also have experienced spinner Ravindra Jadeja in the squad. However, after so many years, one can notice that his pace has diminished. While Washington Sundar is promising, he hasn’t had enough Test exposure to apply pressure consistently.”
“As the series progresses, the weather will heat up and the wickets will dry out, making the contributions of Kuldeep and Jadeja vital in the latter stages of the matches,” Raju told IANS in an exclusive interview organized by Sony Sports Network.
The retirements of Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, along with Mohammed Shami's absence due to fitness issues, leave Jadeja as the last of the original Test team. His experience is now more critical than ever as he is the most seasoned player in the current squad, having toured England three times and participated in two WTC finals.
“While discussing Kuldeep, we must not overlook Jadeja’s importance. He is fit and can contribute with the bat. Unfortunately, Jadeja has often been labeled merely as a second-innings bowler, best suited for turning tracks,” Raju noted.
“But he has the ability to control the game in crucial moments. Even though he has played extensively, the upcoming matches will still test him.”
“I foresee a competitive scenario between him and Washington. Jadeja should leverage his experience to provide breakthroughs that can reintegrate the fast bowlers into the game,” Raju further elaborated.
With England facing a dry spell and rising temperatures, these conditions could favor the Indian spinners. “Initially, the fast bowlers and batsmen will have the upper hand for the first couple of days. However, from the latter half of the third or fourth day, the conditions will shift significantly, revealing footmarks and dry patches,” Raju explained.
“In England, if the soil is red, it provides excellent bounce. This is where Ravindra Jadeja is expected to play a pivotal role. We know the successful pairing of Chahal and Kuldeep in white-ball formats. For this series, I believe it could be Jadeja and Kuldeep who turn the tide in India's favor,” Raju concluded.
He wrapped up by discussing the adjustments Indian spinners must make when bowling with the Dukes ball in England. “The Dukes and SG balls are somewhat comparable due to their similar seams. Nevertheless, the conditions in England differ greatly, and the field dimensions vary,” he said.
“The bowling length is crucial—it must be slightly adjusted because the wickets can be slow, allowing batters to play cut shots. Nowadays, they favor cuts and sweeps.”
“Thus, pace and length are essential, along with maintaining patience. In England, it’s about enduring; one cannot seek a wicket with every delivery. Good line, length, rhythm, and pressure on batters are the keys,” Raju emphasized.
Don’t miss the India tour of England, starting live on Sony Sports Ten 1 & Sony Sports Ten 5 channels at 3:30 PM on June 20.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the evolving dynamics of the Indian cricket team. With several key players retired, the younger generation, including Kuldeep, is tasked with carrying the legacy forward. This series against England is a pivotal moment for them to showcase their skills and resilience.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Test matches has Kuldeep Yadav played?
Kuldeep Yadav has played only 13 Test matches despite being an international cricketer for seven years.
What challenges has Kuldeep faced in his career?
Kuldeep has faced a loss of form, a serious knee injury, and stiff competition from other spinners.
Who are the key spinners in the Indian team for the England series?
The key spinners include Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, especially after the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin.
What is Venkatapathy Raju's opinion on Kuldeep's potential?
Raju believes Kuldeep can be the surprise match-winner as he is difficult for new batters to read.
What conditions are expected for the series in England?
The weather is expected to be dry, which could benefit the Indian spinners as the series progresses.
