Former India Spinner Backs Kuldeep In England: 'Should Be Surprise Match-Winner'

News18

9 hours ago

Last Updated:
Venkatapathy Raju feels Kuldeep Yadav can be the star spinner for India against England.
Although Kuldeep Yadav has been an international cricketer for seven years, he has remarkably played only 13 Test matches. Factors such as a loss of form, a career-threatening knee injury, and the presence of other spinners have hampered his progress in securing a regular place in the Indian Test team.
Kuldeep's last Test appearance in England, at Lord's in 2018, proved disappointing. On a green, rain-affected pitch, he conceded 44 runs in nine overs and was dismissed for a pair, rendering India's selection gamble unsuccessful.
With Ravichandran Ashwin retired, India's spin-bowling unit requires a boost, and all eyes are on Kuldeep's potential performance when the series commences in Leeds on June 20. Former India left-arm spinner Venkatapathy Raju believes Kuldeep could be a surprise match-winner in England.
'Someone like Kuldeep is very difficult for a new batter to pick. I think he could be a surprise match-winner in this series. He has played quite a bit of international cricket, including white-ball formats."
'Now we have another experienced spinner in Ravindra Jadeja, but he has played for many years, and you can see that the zip is not the same anymore. Washington Sundar has only played a few Test matches in India and Australia, so we can't put too much pressure on him."
'As the tour progresses and the weather gets hotter, wickets will become drier. The contributions of Kuldeep and Jadeja will be crucial in the second half of the series to take wickets in the second innings," Raju was quoted as saying to IANS on Sunday.
The retirements of Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, coupled with Mohammed Shami's absence due to fitness concerns, leave Jadeja as the sole representative of the original Test team. His presence, particularly with the bat, is more vital than ever, considering his experience in England and two World Test Championship finals.
'While discussing Kuldeep, we shouldn't forget Ravindra Jadeja – he is crucial. He is in his mid-30s, super fit, and can contribute with the bat. Unfortunately, Jadeja was often seen as a second-innings bowler on turning tracks."
'But he can control the game. He is at a stage in his career where his contributions are vital. The first couple of Tests will test him, despite his experience. It will be a tussle between him and Washington Sundar. He should use his experience to provide breakthroughs that will help the fast bowlers."
With dry weather and rising temperatures in England, conditions will favour Indian spinners. 'Initially, conditions will favour fast bowlers and batters for the first couple of days. But from the third or fourth day onwards, footmarks and dry patches will be crucial."
'In England, red soil offers good bounce. That's where Jadeja will play a crucial role. We have discussed Kuldeep, and how they combine could turn the tables for India," added Raju.
He concluded by explaining the adjustments Indian spinners must make with the Dukes ball in England. 'Dukes and SG balls are similar, but conditions in England are different, and ground dimensions vary."
'It depends on your length. It has to be slightly fuller because slow pitches can allow cut shots on a normal length. Pace and length matter, as well as patience. In England, you need good line and length, rhythm, and the ability to create pressure on batters."
First Published:
June 15, 2025, 18:22 IST