Not Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah!! Anil Kumble names India's biggest potential Test X-Factor

Former India spinner and head coach Anil Kumble showered praises on left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav following his impressive performances in the Asia Cup 2025. The cricketer-turned-commentator called Kuldeep the X-factor and added that he should be picked ahead of all-rounders in India’s Test squad.

Kuldeep Yadav has been in exceptional form during the ongoing Asia Cup in the UAE, taking eight wickets in three matches. He is the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team remained unbeaten in the group stage and advanced from Group A to the Super 4 stage.

Kuldeep Yadav Should Be a Part of Test Match - Anil Kumble

Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show, Anil Kumble said that Kuldeep Yadav will be key for the team to take 20 wickets in Test cricket due to the difficulty in picking him. The former captain further said that Kuldeep should be the primary spinner in the playing XI.

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“I think Kuldeep Yadav should be a part of Test match cricket if you have to take 20 wickets. Yes, there is Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel. But I think Kuldeep's X-factor is that it's not easy to pick him. And we have seen that,” Anil Kumble said.

“I would like to see Kuldeep being the number one spinner as a listed spinner in the playing XI. And then whatever you want to do after that, all-rounders, fast bowlers and then you pick the rest of the players,” he added.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Place in India’s Test Squad Faces Scrutiny

Kuldeep Yadav’s place in India’s Test squad has come under scrutiny after he missed the entire England tour. The 30-year-old cricketer was named in the squad but did not play a single Test in the five-match series, which ended in a 2–2 draw.

New Test captain Shubman Gill backed all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Their all-round capabilities brought balance to the team, but questions arose about whether India lacked a genuine wicket-taking threat on flat pitches.

India will next host the West Indies for a two-match Test series. The upcoming home series could offer Kuldeep an ideal opportunity to re-establish himself in the Test XI, especially given his current form and rhythm.

It Was a Good Time for Me - Kuldeep Yadav

Speaking to reporters, Kuldeep Yadav recently spoke about his exclusion from the playing XI in the England tour. Kuldeep stated that it gave him an opportunity to focus on his fitness and enhance his bowling skills.

“In England, obviously, looking at the conditions and the combination of the team, I did not get a place in the team. But obviously, it was a very good time for me to work on myself, to improve my fitness and to give more volume to bowling because it is very important,” he said.

Kuldeep has taken 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an average of 22.16, including four five-wicket hauls. He last played against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024.

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