Kuldeep Yadav Resolute to Break into India's Test Team After Good Show With the White Ball

Indian Cricket team’s premier white-ball wrist-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav is keen to break into the Test squad on the back of a spectacular show in the limited-overs cricket.

Meanwhile, last year in June, Kuldeep was like any other youngster waiting for his maiden away tour.

The One-day International series in the Windies was the start of Kuldeep’s wicket-taking spree. So much so, skipper Virat Kohli now calls him as the X-factor of the Men in Blue which in itself is a huge statement.

Since past one year, Kuldeep has bagged 39 wickets from 20 ODIs and has forged an effective partnership with leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

Furthermore, he is also a part of the limited-overs squad to Ireland and England. As he gears up for the shortest format, he is also looking for a spot in the Test team.

“This is my first tour to England. Personally, this series will be very important for me. England will also host the World Cup in a year’s time, so that also makes this series more important,” Hindustan Times quoted Kuldeep as saying.

The young spinner in the form of Kuldeep admitted that pitches in England will slow down and he is focussing on that. He also added that he hasn’t fixed any target for the upcoming tour.

“Obviously there are ODIs first but I am also focusing on Tests. For now, I have been planning more on how to bowl in Tests. Wickets may be a bit on the slower side in England, so I have been practicing for that. Before the ODI series in South Africa, I had given myself a target of picking 15 wickets, but for England, I haven’t yet decided any numbers yet,” he added.

India lost the series 3-1, the last time they toured England. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and left-arm slow bowler Ravindra Jadeja formed the spin attack during that particular tour.

However, it will be interesting to see if the management opts for Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming tour. He is eager to do well against the Three Lions.

India last won a Test series in England in 2007. However, in ODIs, India tasted success in 2014, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side winning the competition owing to a scoreline of 3-1.

Also read: Virat Kohli makes his little fan smile before leaving for England