Former KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir was surprised by Kolkata Knight Riders‘ move to retain Kuldeep Yadav despite not giving him too many games last season. The left-arm chinaman played just five matches for the side last season and picked up just one wicket. Overall, Kuldeep has picked up 40 wickets for the side in 45 games since making his debut for the side in 2016.
Gautam Gambhir was in conversation with Star Sports where he said that he would have loved to see Kuldeep play for a side where he would get the opportunity to play.
Also Read: Kolkata Knight Riders Announce Retentions for IPL 2021
Speaking on the Star Sports network, he stated, “I am a little surprised about Kuldeep Yadav being retained because he did not get the opportunities. I would have wanted to see Kuldeep Yadav go to a franchise where he gets an opportunity to play. Because if you are playing for India and not part of your franchise’s playing XI, it is somewhere or the other be harmful to your career.”
He further said that Kolkata Knight Riders should make Kuldeep Yadav play regularly now that they have retained him for the next season.
KKR Should Play Kuldeep Yadav After Retaining Him: Gautam Gambhir
“Now that you have retained him, they should play him. Otherwise, I feel Kuldeep Yadav should have himself said that if he is not in their scheme of things, he should be given an opportunity to go and play somewhere else. If Kuldeep Yadav had come into the auction, a lot of franchises would have gone for him” Gautam Gambhir further said.
KKR have retained as many as 18 players including Dinesh Karthik, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Rana, Sandeep Warrier along with Kuldeep. They have released just five players in the retention window.
Kuldeep Yadav was benched from all the four Tests against Australia, while India bowling coach Bharat Arun said that the upcoming England series is his chance to play for his team and take wickets with Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of the series.
Also Read: England Series Will Be Kuldeep Yadav’s Time To Bowl: Bowling Coach Bharat Arun
