IND v SA | Maybe selectors felt some changes were required, I respect that, says Kuldeep Yadav

Not too long ago, wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav were the Indian team management’s prized possessions in white-ball cricket. And yet neither of them have a place in the T20 squad against South Africa. Instead, it is the likes of Rahul Chahar and Washington Sundar that have been asked to carry the mantle of the white-ball spin attack. However, the 24-year-old Kuldeep has taken the limited-overs snub in a positive spirit. 

“I did well; my stats are good. Maybe the selectors feel they need to give me a break from T20Is, and that some changes are required. I respect that, and I have no complaints. I see this as an opportunity to do well in Tests,” Kuldeep said, reported Sportstar.

Instead, the left-arm spinner now has a chance to make a statement in the longest format of the game. However, this poses a new challenge: a change to red-ball cricket for a chinaman who has played very little First-Class cricket in recent times. Turning up for India A team against South Africa A in the second unofficial Test has provided Kuldeep with the opportunity to find his rhythm once again.

“Playing red-ball cricket is difficult, especially when you are a regular in white-ball cricket. It was important for me to come here and bowl as many overs as possible. There is still plenty of work to do,” Kuldeep said.

But even a dazzling performance in the India A side will not be enough to guarantee Kuldeep a spot in the playing eleven for the three-match Test series. He is one of three spinners – the others being the accomplished Ashwin and Jadeja – in the squad. 

“When three best spinners like Ashwin, Jaddu (Jadeja) and I are in the squad, it’s challenging for the selectors to pick the right combination. You need to be ready to grab your chance. Of course, there is pressure because you only get a few chances, and you have to make full use of them,” Kuldeep said.

One major disadvantage that Kuldeep has in comparison to the two senior men is that both Ashwin and Jadeja are more than handy with the bat. 

“I’ve been working on my batting with (previous India batting coach) Sanjay Bangar. I feel my batting is good at the Test level,” Kuldeep added.