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India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Shubman Gill's decisions regarding Kuldeep Yadav, insisting that the India captain has the freedom to use the spinner according to the situation in a Test match. The head coach also urged Kuldeep Yadav to focus on bowling his best spell instead of becoming desperate for wickets.
Gautam Gambhir made the comments ahead of India's second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, starting on August 23. India will enter the match with a 1-0 lead after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening Test in Galle.
Bowl your best spell, don’t be desperate for wickets - Gautam Gambhir on Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav's limited involvement in the first Test had raised questions, particularly after India relied heavily on its two left-arm finger spinners, Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja. However, Gambhir made it clear that the number of overs given to a bowler ultimately remains the captain's call.
The head coach also stressed that India's immediate focus is on winning the next Test rather than looking too far ahead in the World Test Championship cycle.
"We don't talk about what's in the future, we are just focused on the next 5 days. It's not about where we would be in WTC cycle, it's about whether we can win what's in the hand," Gautam Gambhir said at the pre-match press conference.
Gambhir also urged Kuldeep to concentrate on executing his role rather than chasing wickets.
"Bowl your best spell, don’t be desperate for wickets," Gambhir said on Kuldeep Yadav to come good, while asserting that picking the best XI capable of taking 20 wickets will remain India's priority.
On Kuldeep bowling fewer overs, Gautam Gambhir added that it is ultimately the captain's decision and depends on what the skipper feels is right during a particular period of the game.
Kuldeep Yadav flopped in 1st Test vs Sri Lanka
Kuldeep Yadav had a quiet outing in the first Test in Galle despite entering the match as one of India's most experienced spin options. He picked up just one wicket across Sri Lanka's two innings and was not among the bowlers used most heavily by Gill.
He bowled 11 overs for 38 runs without taking a wicket in Sri Lanka's first innings. In the second innings, Kuldeep returned figures of 1/65, taking his match tally to just one wicket from 23 overs.
His Test record also highlights his inconsistent presence in India's playing XI. Kuldeep has played only 19 Tests, taking 80 wickets at an average of 23.36 and an economy rate of 3.56. He has claimed five five-wicket hauls in the format.
Against Sri Lanka, however, his numbers are less impressive. He has taken only six wickets in four innings across two Tests, at an average of 33.16.
Kuldeep Yadav's lack of regular Test cricket has also meant that he has had to constantly fight for a place whenever India select their preferred spin combination.
Ideally I would have wanted a three-Test match series - Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir also expressed his preference for longer Test series, arguing that a three-match contest would provide both teams with a better opportunity to recover from a poor start. He stressed that India's primary objective remains taking 20 wickets, regardless of the nature of the pitch.
"If the wicket is too flat then the bowlers will have to work hard to get them out. We need to pick 20 wickets to win a Test match."
Gambhir also admitted that he would have preferred the Sri Lanka series to consist of three Tests rather than two. He stated:
"Ideally I would have wanted a three Test match series. The team losing the first Test should have a chance to come back and win the Test."
"Three-Test series is ideal. Short turnaround is fine, we know how to manage our bodies and recover. We give optional practices and rest bowlers. I feel three Test series is ideal."
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