Definitely in the Scheme of Things: Why India Aren’t Panicking Over Kuldeep Yadav
The first Test in Galle was a masterclass in spin bowling—just not the kind that featured Kuldeep Yadav. While Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Manav Suthar ran riot, sharing 14 wickets between them, Kuldeep managed just one in 25 overs across both innings. For a bowler who has been India’s go-to left-arm wrist-spinner in recent years, the numbers were underwhelming. Yet, the team management’s response? “He’s definitely in the scheme of things.”
The Galle Conundrum: What Went Wrong?
Galle is a spinner’s paradise, but it’s also a track where turn and bounce can be deceptive. Kuldeep’s struggles weren’t just about the pitch—it was a combination of factors:
- Lack of Sharp Turn: Unlike Jadeja, who extracts vicious turn, Kuldeep relies more on drift and dip. The Galle surface didn’t offer the exaggerated turn he thrives on.
- Bowling in Tandem: Jadeja and Suthar bowled in long, unbroken spells, while Kuldeep was often rotated in shorter bursts, disrupting his rhythm.
- Sri Lanka’s Tactics: The hosts played Kuldeep cautiously, often sweeping or using their feet to negate his variations.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh summed it up well: “Kuldeep is a match-winner, but he needs the right conditions and a bit of luck. Galle wasn’t his day.”
Why India Won’t Drop Him
Despite the poor outing, Kuldeep remains a key cog in India’s spin arsenal. Here’s why:
- Unique Skill Set: Kuldeep is one of the few left-arm wrist-spinners in world cricket. His ability to bowl the googly and flipper makes him a rare commodity.
- Big-Game Experience: He has delivered in high-pressure situations—remember his 5/40 against Australia in Sydney (2021) or his 4/68 in the 2023 WTC Final?
- White-Ball Dominance: While this was a Test, Kuldeep’s white-ball record (ODIs: 112 wickets in 72 matches, T20Is: 52 wickets in 34 matches) keeps him in the selectors’ plans.
- Rotation Policy: India’s spin-heavy approach means they often rotate bowlers based on conditions. Kuldeep’s time will come in more favorable settings.
What’s Next for Kuldeep?
The second Test in Colombo (PSS) could be a different story. The pitch there is known to assist wrist-spinners more, offering better bounce and turn. If Kuldeep gets another chance, expect:
- A longer spell to find his rhythm.
- More aggressive fields to create pressure.
- A focus on variations—especially the googly—to outfox the batsmen.
Head coach Rahul Dravid has already hinted at patience: “We back our players. Kuldeep has been brilliant for us in the past, and we know what he brings to the table.”
The Bigger Picture: India’s Spin Depth
India’s spin cupboard is overflowing. With Jadeja, Ashwin, Axar Patel, and now Manav Suthar in the mix, Kuldeep isn’t the only option. But his X-factor—the ability to bowl unplayable deliveries—keeps him in the frame.
The Galle Test was a reminder that not every spinner will succeed in every condition. But for a team with eyes on the 2025 WTC Final and beyond, Kuldeep’s talent is too valuable to discard after one bad game.
Final Verdict: No Panic, Just Patience
Cricket is a game of fine margins, and Kuldeep’s career has been a testament to that. From being dropped in 2019 to becoming a world-beater in 2021, he has shown resilience. The Galle Test was a blip, not a trend.
For now, India’s message is clear: Kuldeep is in the plans. The question isn’t if he’ll bounce back—it’s when.
Key Takeaways:
- Kuldeep’s Galle struggles were due to pitch conditions, rotation policy, and opposition tactics.
- India values his unique skill set and big-game experience.
- Colombo (PSS) could be his redemption ground.
- With India’s spin depth, Kuldeep must prove his worth in the next opportunity.
What do you think? Should Kuldeep be given another chance in Colombo? Or is it time for India to look at other options? Drop your thoughts in the comments!