As we shift focus on the forthcoming India-England Test series, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Kuldeep Yadav to be a part of the playing XI. Incidentally, Kuldeep warmed the benches throughout the Australia tour as the selectors preferred Ravindra Jadeja over him followed by Washington Sundar in the last Test at the Gabba.
However, as cricket resumes in India, the hosts are likely to play a couple of spinners which opens the door of opportunity for Kuldeep Yadav. Bowling coach Bharat Arun also admitted that the time will come for the young spinner in the upcoming series.
Kuldeep Yadav is a unique bowler – Irfan Pathan
And now, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Kuldeep to be a part of the playing XI for the first Test which starts from February 5 in Chennai. Speaking to PTI, Pathan said that Kuldeep should be given opportunities to play Test cricket as he is a ‘unique bowler’.
Also Read: India’s Predicted XI For First Two Tests Against England
“It is very important from the team management point of view, how they keep the mindset of a player, who is not playing. I am sure they must be doing the right job, and that’s why the guys when we saw some of the youngsters, came and played really well,” Irfan Pathan said.
“I am sure they must be supporting and backing Kuldeep Yadav because he has got immense talent. You don’t find left-arm wrist spinners on every-day-basis. He is a unique bowler. The guy is about 25-26 and this is where he is going to get maturity. Whenever he gets the opportunity, first Test, second Test, whenever he will be raring to go and I am pretty sure that he will do well,” he added.
So far, Kuldeep Yadav has played six Tests and picked 24 wickets. He played his last Test against Australia in Sydney in January 2019. Irfan Pathan also cited England’s problem against wrist-spinner to back Kuldeep’s case for the series opener.
Also Read: Brad Hogg Heaps Praise On Indian Youngster; Makes Big Prediction
“When it comes to England, look at the history, if you are a leg-spinner, you always have a chance of performing well, I just hope that whenever he plays, he does really well and he does,” Pathan further said.
