Kuldeep Yadav openly demands Test spot from Gautam Gambhir after Asia Cup heroics

Star India National Cricket Team left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has sent a bold message to the head coach Gautam Gambhir after his heroics in the Asia Cup 2025.

Kuldeep Yadav said that he has made a lot of improvements in his red-ball batting after missing out on matches for the India National Cricket Team.

Kuldeep Yadav shone vs UAE and Pakistan

The left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep displayed a dominant performance with the ball in matches against the UAE and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025.

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In their tournament opener, India wrapped up the innings of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs, and Kuldeep was the chief architect behind the destruction.

He returned with unbelievable figures of 2.1-0-7-4 as in just 13 balls, Kuldeep dismissed four UAE batters, including a dominant show in the 9th over where he bagged three wickets. Kuldeep also won the Player of the Match award for his heroics.

Then, in India's second match against Pakistan, the left-arm wrist-spinner once again looked in fire and dismantled the batting unit of the opposition. He returned with the sensational bowling figures of 4-0-18-3.

It is always tough when you have to sit out - Kuldeep Yadav

Ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash, Kuldeep Yadav spoke to the broadcasters and said that it was tough for him to be on the bench, but it gave him opportunities to improve his fitness. He elaborated:

"(On his POTM performance) Of course, started off on a good note. I am really happy with my performance.

"(On missing too many games) It is always tough when you have to sit out because of the conditions and demands of the team. I worked on my fitness. It helps you grow as a player and I played in Duleep Trophy, bowled 35 overs, so good preparation for me."

It becomes normal - Kuldeep Yadav on playing against Pakistan

When asked if India would continue with the spin-heavy approach in the Asia Cup 2025, the spinner replied:

"Depending on the conditions. It tends to get slow, it is a 3-week tournament. The weather is 35-plus here. It is what the team requires, you have to do that."

Kuldeep Yadav further said that playing against Pakistan is quite normal for him and revealed that he has improved his batting for Test cricket. He said:

"It becomes normal, because when you play in the World Cup, you are playing in pressure situations. You want to do well against them because of the history of the two teams. (On his batting) Yeah, not in this format but obviously in the Test series."

Notably, Kuldeep Yadav was among the three unlucky players in the Test squad of the India National Cricket Team, who were benched across all five matches of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against the England National Cricket Team.

This is because of the head coach Gautam Gambhir's preference for the multi-skilled players, and by improving his batting, Kuldeep Yadav wants to send a message that he is ready to chip in with runs as well.

Also Read: Watch: Sahibzada Farhan creates history with sixes off Jasprit Bumrah in IND-PAK match, Suryakumar Yadav shocked