Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian cricketer, is spending significant time alongside veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja both on and off the field as India gears up for their five-match Test series in England. This collaboration is proving invaluable for Kuldeep as he seeks to refine his skills and adapt strategies for the forthcoming matches.
Reflecting on his previous Test match in England—a challenging outing at Lord’s in 2018 where he went wicketless—Kuldeep has since evolved as a bowler. Now, with 56 wickets in 13 Tests at an impressive average of 22.16, he stands out in the realm of Test cricket, particularly among spinners with over 50 wickets.
The presence of Jadeja, known for his all-round prowess, places him as a leading choice for India’s primary spinner. However, Kuldeep remains a likely candidate to join the playing eleven if conditions favour spin. His left-arm wrist spin played a crucial role in India’s remarkable comeback against England earlier in 2024, where he claimed 19 wickets across four Tests.
“It’s truly an honour to play with Jadeja,” Kuldeep shared. “He, along with Ashwin, has been incredibly supportive. We frequently discuss bowler strategies against the current English batters. Spending time with him, whether on the field or off, has been instrumental in enhancing my tactical approach.”
Kuldeep has also taken a seat beside Jadeja on the team bus, previously occupied by the now-retired Rohit Sharma. On this shift, he comically noted, “I can never replace Rohit bhai. But it’s crucial for me, especially with Ashwin retired, to learn from the experienced players around.”
Turning the discussion to Shubman Gill, the team’s young captain, Kuldeep praised his contribution, stating, “As a leader, he’s very motivated and plays an active role in uplifting the team’s spirit.”
At present, the Indian squad is engaged in an intra-squad match in Beckenham. With the pitch potentially favouring spin as the Test series progresses—a shift from England’s recent preference for batsman-friendly surfaces—Kuldeep remains observant.
He remarked on the conditions, “The practice wicket was initially helpful for seamers, but there’s been some bounce for the spinners. Heading into day three, I’m keen to see how it behaves. Early indications suggest the ball is beginning to turn, which is promising.”
This preparation and the rich exchange of expertise and strategy have bolstered Kuldeep’s confidence as India readies itself for what promises to be a challenging yet exciting Test series against England.
