Kuldeep Yadav is our X-factor but can’t forget the likes of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, reckons Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has backed Kuldeep Yadav to shine in the upcoming Test series but also pointed out that the likes of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja remain important to the team. Rahane also added that the conditions in England at present resembled that of pitches in Mumbai or Chennai.
Kuldeep managed to sneak his way into the Indian Test squad that will go up against the mighty English on home turf in the upcoming five-match Test series. The youngster put in some dazzling performances in the ODI series against South Africa earlier this year and in the recently concluded ODI series against England as well, which convinced the Indian selectors to give him a shot in the longer format of the game.
However, Kuldeep’s inclusion meant that veteran Test cricketers - Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja - will have to compete with the youngster for a place in the playing XI. But Indian Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane insisted that despite their exclusion from the team, it would be unwise to forget the likes Ashwin and Jadeja and write them off totally. Rahane also heaped praise on Yadav as he
"Kuldeep is the X-factor in our team. We will have to see how the wicket will be like tomorrow and the day after but we don't have to forget about Ashwin and Jadeja.
"Ashwin and Jadeja have been doing really well for us; Ashwin especially with his batting as well as his bowling," Rahane told the media two days before the first Test starts.
The extreme summer this year in England has resulted in the pitches turning dry, which also made the ECB select two spinners in the form of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid in their Test squad. Rahane, however, focused on his own team’s abilities as he likened the pitches in England to those in the Indian cities of Mumbai and Chennai.
"I am not surprised with Adil Rashid's selection - he is a very good bowler. Right now, playing in England is like playing in Mumbai or Chennai. We should back our abilities and focus on our skills.
"We had decent practice in Essex before and during the match. It is important to focus on the mindset especially in England - how quickly you adjust to the conditions. It will be a test of our mind and character here.
"Playing in England is always a challenge, It is important to play some good cricket, rather than thinking of the result. Guys are in good shape. (We need to) enjoy the challenge of playing overseas. Really looking forward to that," Rahane added.
