I Did Not Fit In The Team Combination In Australia But My Time Will Come In The England Series - Kuldeep Yadav

Leg-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav is optimistic about his chances to make in the Indian team for the forthcoming home Test series against England. Joe Root’s team will take on the Asian giants for a 4 Test match series commencing on 5th February. The first two Tests will be played on a traditionally spin-friendly track in Chennai and the next couple of matches in the newly-built 110,000-seater  Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Kuldeep Yadav warmed the bench for the entire Test series in Australia – indeed the chinaman has not played a single Test since his 5-wicket haul in Sydney in January 2019. This comes as a shock as head coach, Ravi Shastri then termed him as ‘India’s first-choice overseas spinner’.

Since then India has played 5 Test series – 2 home and 3 away – but Kuldeep Yadav hasn’t featured in a single one of them.

Since the team did well, it did not matter much: Kuldeep Yadav

Ajinkya Rahane, the stand-in captain for Virat Kohli, has revealed that Washington Sundar was selected over Kuldeep in Brisbane because of his superior batting skills over the Uttar Pradesh spinner. Against Tim Paine’s side, the KKR spinner didn’t fit in the combination as the visitors.

Rahane has also lauded Kuldeep’s team spirit as he supported the players despite being dejected for not being included in the playing eleven. India’s bowling coach, Bharat Arun has also recently stated that the 26-year-old spinner will have his say against England after not being included in any red-ball game in Australia.

“I would not call it challenging, but yes, I did not get opportunities. There was a bit of disappointment for sure, but since the team did well, it did not matter much. I was definitely expecting to play, however, that was not possible due to the team combination. Maybe, I did not fit into the combination, but then, the team put up a brilliant show,” Kuldeep Yadav told Sportstar.

When it comes to the subcontinent conditions, India could do with just 2 pacers and pick Kuldeep as an extra spinner.  While Ravichandran Ashwin will lead the spin bowling department, Kuldeep could feature alongside Sundar in absence of Ravindra Jadeja. Axar Patel is also added to the squad.

“The way we won the series was outstanding. I believe apna time aayega (my time will come) in the England series, and whenever I get an opportunity, I will try to deliver,” he added.

A moment We’ll cherish forever! ?
Everyone stood up, gave it everything, supporting each other to do their best. Most importantly we never gave up ?
This is one of the finest performances for us! So proud of this special win. Jai Hind ??? pic.twitter.com/sD7Zm5COgK

— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) January 19, 2021

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