Is Playing Alongside Jadeja a Great Honour for Kuldeep?

Beckenham, June 15 (NationPress) India’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav expressed that it is a tremendous privilege to play alongside Ravindra Jadeja on the field. He acknowledged the significant learning experience he has gained from the seasoned spinner, noting the valuable insights he receives from Jadeja both on and off the field.

With Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from Test cricket, Kuldeep is likely to become Jadeja's primary spin-bowling partner. During the upcoming tour of England, which begins on June 20 in Leeds, India also has off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar in their spin bowling lineup.

“Playing alongside Jadeja is an immense honour for me. Both Jadeja and Ashwin have been exceptional over the past years. When I made my Test debut in India, they provided invaluable support. I continue to engage in discussions about how to bowl to certain English batters, especially considering their current batting style,” Kuldeep stated.

“I am dedicating substantial time with him—not just during matches, but also outside of them. This has significantly enhanced my tactical understanding and field placements, with Jadeja offering me important tips,” he added.

“He plays a crucial role in my development as a spinner. I have gained a wealth of knowledge from him. Of course, I miss Ashwin bhai, but I feel fortunate to have Jadeja in my team. My connection with him as a spin partner is something I truly enjoy,” Kuldeep remarked during a press interaction on day three of the intra-squad practice match in Beckenham.

Kuldeep has only played one Test in England, back in 2018 at Lord’s, where he conceded 44 runs in nine overs and had a disappointing batting performance as India lost the match. However, with significant improvements in his speed, lengths, and bowling mentality, Kuldeep is prepared to challenge England's batsmen this time around.

“There’s always excitement when playing as a spinner abroad. It's vital to have the right mindset. I maintain an aggressive approach. I hope the wickets are conducive for bowling,” he commented.

“Considering the current weather, there has been plenty of sunshine recently. If the pitches are favorable, spinners could benefit. I don’t stress much about the conditions, but favorable wickets certainly enhance the bowling experience,” he added.

When asked about the pitch conditions for spinners at Beckenham, Kuldeep noted, “The wickets appear promising for spinners. The practice match surface was good for batting initially, with some moisture aiding seamers on the first day. However, as the game progressed, I noticed the ball starting to bounce, which is beneficial for spinners.”

“Initially, I didn’t observe much turn during my first spell. But on day three, if I bowl consistently, we will gauge how the pitch behaves. Throughout my practice sessions, the ball has shown some turning, and I am confident it will improve during the match,” he concluded.

Kuldeep emphasized the importance of bowlers putting in the effort during practice to acclimate to the demands of Test cricket. “Bowling a significant number of overs is crucial. After playing T20 cricket for the last several months, transitioning to the Test format necessitates a solid build-up. All bowlers are encouraged to bowl as many overs as possible to prepare adequately,” he shared.