India trail 2-1 in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, with the crucial fourth Test set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester. As the pressure mounts, Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood coach, Kapil Dev Pandey, has voiced his support for the left-arm wrist-spinner, calling him a “vital asset” who can make a difference if included in the playing XI.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Exclusion Raising Eyebrows
Kuldeep, despite being in top form, is yet to feature in the series. India have favored Washington Sundar over him in the last two Tests, prioritizing depth in the batting lineup. However, that strategy is now under scrutiny, especially after India’s defeat in the third Test where they failed to chase a modest 193-run target.
Coach Kapil Dev Pandey pointed out that the loss wasn’t due to the bowling unit, but rather a batting collapse. “Kuldeep not playing doesn’t seem to hold much value in the current context because Team India has been playing well. In the third Test, many expected him to feature, but the fast bowlers did the job and picked up wickets,” Pandey said in a conversation with IANS.
He stressed that Kuldeep Yadav is in excellent form, referencing his stellar performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was one of India’s most reliable bowlers. “Not playing him at the right moments has cost India heavily,” Pandey added. “In recent matches, it’s the batters who have failed, not the bowlers.”
Kuldeep’s Strong Test Record and Readiness
The 30-year-old spinner has an impressive Test record — 56 wickets in just 13 matches at an average of 22.16 and a strike rate of 37.3. His record includes three four-wicket hauls and four five-wicket hauls, making him one of the most effective spinners in the country. However, Kuldeep hasn’t played a Test since October 2024.
“I’ve spoken to Kuldeep recently,” said Pandey. “I told him to stay fit and be ready to deliver whenever the opportunity comes. All we can do is hope — the final decision lies with the coach and the captain. But there’s no doubt that Kuldeep is currently one of the finest and most senior spinners in the country.”
Despite being in high spirits, Pandey believes Kuldeep is understandably anxious about not getting a chance. “He’s human too. Yes, his morale is high, but deep down he must be wondering when he’ll finally get his opportunity. He can be a crucial asset for Team India in Manchester. I spoke to him; he’s focused.”
As India prepares for the fourth Test, the call to include Kuldeep Yadav grows louder. Whether the team management will make that bold move remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Kuldeep’s potential impact could be game-changing.
