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As the India National Cricket Team is getting ready for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, Mohammad Kaif has once again brought back the Kuldeep Yadav issue. While many expect Kuldeep Yadav to play in Galle, Kaif feels the left-arm spinner’s selection is still not certain.
India will begin the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15 in Galle. Since the pitch is expected to help spin bowlers, Kuldeep is among the strongest contenders for a place in the team. Amid this, Shubman Gill suffers a minor injury scare ahead of the Sri Lanka Tests.
Mohammad Kaif questions Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir's faith in Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammad Kaif feels there is no guarantee that Kuldeep Yadav will play in the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on August 15 in Galle. Kaif believes that Kuldeep has still not won the full confidence of India's new captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
He pointed out that Kuldeep has not been given regular opportunities in Test cricket. Even though he is part of the squad most of the time, he has often been left out of the final XI, which shows that the current team management is still not completely convinced about him.
Mohammad Kaif explains why Kuldeep Yadav's place is uncertain
Kaif said on his YouTube channel, “However, Kuldeep doesn’t get consistent opportunities, so there is still some doubt over whether he will play or not. We assume that he will, but he hasn’t convinced the Indian team with his bowling yet.
Whether it is Shubman Gill or Gautam Gambhir, they don’t seem completely convinced by Kuldeep’s bowling. He remains in the squad, but he doesn’t always get to play. So, I’m still a little doubtful about whether they will play him or not.”
Since Gambhir became the head coach, the Indian team has played 20 Test matches, but Kuldeep has been picked in only six of those matches. Despite getting few opportunities, the 31-year-old spinner has performed well, taking 26 wickets at an average of 25.00 and an economy rate of 3.76 runs per over. Amid this, "Jab tak khelega nahi...": Yashasvi Jaiswal hilariously recalls Rohit Sharma's unforgettable advice.
Mohammad Kaif rules out Auqib Nabi's Test debut
The former Indian batter does not even think the fast bowler Auqib Nabi will make his Test debut in Galle. Nabi was not part of the original squad but got his first India call-up after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Sri Lanka tour because of injury. However, Kaif feels Mohammed Siraj will lead India's pace attack, while Prasidh Krishna is likely to be the second fast bowler.
Kaif further explained, “No, I don’t think he (Auqib Nabi) will get a chance in the first match. Because, if you look at it, I’m considering Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar can also contribute with the bat, so he could come in at No. 8. Nabi might not get the opportunity to play the first match because Mohammed Siraj will play the Test.”
Mohammad Kaif predicts India's bowling combination
The cricket pundit believes that India will field three spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar. He also feels Suthar has an extra advantage because he can contribute with the bat. His all-round ability could help India strengthen the lower order while also giving the team another quality spin option.
Kaif signed off by saying, “On a slow pitch, I’m looking at two fast bowlers, along with Kuldeep, Jadeja, and Manav Suthar. They could go with two fast bowlers in Siraj and Krishna, along with three spinners in Suthar, Jadeja, and Kuldeep.”
