Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has offered crucial advice to left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, suggesting that he must add an extra dimension to his game to become a regular in the Test squad. Kuldeep, who traveled with the Indian team to England for the five-match Test series, did not feature in a single match, which led to some criticism. Since his Test debut in 2017, Kuldeep has only played 13 Tests, with his last red-ball appearance coming in 2024 against New Zealand.
Uthappa believes that for Kuldeep to secure his spot in future Test matches, he must work on his batting skills. The former India batter pointed out that although Kuldeep has exceptional bowling skills, his limitations in batting may be holding him back. Uthappa emphasized that the current team management values all-rounders, and Kuldeep needs to add more value with the bat to make a regular appearance in the playing XI.
Kuldeep’s Limited Role in England and the Team’s Decision
Despite being part of the squad, Kuldeep was not included in any of the Tests during India’s tour of England. The decision to opt for Washington Sundar, who provided depth to India’s batting lineup, came under scrutiny. However, the 2-2 series result helped justify the move, with Sundar playing key roles in both batting and bowling, including scoring a century in Manchester and taking seven wickets.
Kuldeep’s exclusion sparked debates about his place in the squad, with many wondering if his batting limitations might have been a factor in his non-selection. Uthappa suggested that if Kuldeep could improve his batting, he would become a more viable option for India in the longer format of the game.
Learning from Ashwin’s Success
Uthappa further drew comparisons between Kuldeep and Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been a mainstay in India’s Test lineup for years. Ashwin, known for his remarkable bowling skills, also boasts of six Test centuries, highlighting the importance of contributing with the bat in overseas conditions. Uthappa believes that if Kuldeep can add similar batting credentials, he will be considered more frequently for Test matches.
“If Ashwin can score Test centuries at number eight or nine, Kuldeep can certainly do the same with effort and consistency,” Uthappa added. The example of Ashwin’s success as an all-rounder shows the value of having a well-rounded skill set in the current Test format.
Kuldeep Yadav’s future in Test cricket may depend on his ability to improve his batting, and with the right focus and hard work, he could secure a more regular spot in the Indian team.
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