Former Indian legend Anil Kumble showered praise on Kuldeep Yadav after his brilliant display on Day 3 of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Kuldeep’s five-wicket haul in the first innings left the visitors reeling, as they trailed by 270 runs.
However, in the second innings, the left-arm wrist-spinner went wicketless, conceding 53 runs in 11 overs. Despite that, Kumble lauded his mental strength and composure. Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Amul Cricket Live’, the 54 year old highlighted how difficult it is to maintain confidence with limited chances.
He said :
“Absolutely brilliant! I’ve always been a great admirer of Kuldeep Yadav, and despite limited opportunities, he consistently showcases his match-winning abilities. It’s not easy to maintain rhythm and confidence without regular play, but Kuldeep seized this chance perfectly in the first innings. He played a pivotal role in dismantling the West Indies batting line-up, demonstrating control and composure.”
Expectations From Kuldeep On Day 4
Kumble expressed confidence that Kuldeep Yadav would continue to play a key role when India resume bowling on Day 4. He believes the spinner’s consistency and temperament make him an asset in any format.
Kumble stated :
“I expect him to be central again when India returns to bowl tomorrow and aims to claim the remaining wickets. Kuldeep’s outstanding performances have been evident across formats whenever given the opportunity, whether with the red or white ball.”
The Indian team management had faced criticism earlier for not including Kuldeep in the five-match Test series in England. Since making his Test debut in 2017, the Kanpur-born spinner has played only 15 Tests. Despite limited appearances, he continues to impress whenever given the opportunity, proving his value as a genuine match-winner.
Kumble Applauds West Indies’ Fightback
Even as India dominated much of the Test, Kumble acknowledged the West Indies’ strong response after being asked to follow on. Openers John Campbell (87*) and Shai Hope (66*) put on an unbroken 138-run partnership, resisting India’s attack effectively.
Anil Kumble appreciated their approach and credited the belief built by their lower-order batters in the first innings. The West Indies still trail by 97 runs but have shown determination to fight back, keeping the contest alive heading into Day 4.
He said :
“The partnership combined caution with aggression and showcased the true flair of West Indies cricket. The conditions suited their style more, with slower pitches allowing sufficient time to adjust shots against the spinners. The application was strong, fuelled by the belief instilled from the lower order’s performance in the first innings by Phillip and Pierre. The message from the lower order to play straight and apply themselves evidently resonated.”
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