Kuldeep Yadav was once again ignored from the Indian playing XI which took the field in the first Test against Chennai. The much-awaited Test series finally got underway, however, the mystery spinner’s omission from the playing XI raised a few eyebrows. T
he Indian team suffered a blow with allrounder Axar Patel getting ruled out of the first Test after complaining of pain in his left knee at the training session on Thursday.
The BCCI announced the inclusion of Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar in the squad. But when the playing XI was announced for the first Test by skipper Kohli, Nadeem made it into the team along with spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar, but Kuldeep was left out.
Kuldeep played his last Test match for India more then two years ago against Australia in Sydney. Despite being a part of the test squad, Kuldeep was not given a game in Australia while all the other bowlers played at least one Test match each.
Importantly, Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun, in a press-conference before the England series said that Kuldeep will get opportunities against England in Ravindra Jadeja’s absence. However, it was not the case in the first Test against England in Chennai.
Also Read: India vs England 2021: First Two Test In Chennai To Be Played Behind Closed Doors
Kuldeep Yadav Will Play England Tests: Bharat Arun
“Kuldeep is working hard enough, he has been brilliant. I think horses for courses is the best thing. And when Kuldeep gets a chance to play, he will show what he can do because I think he is bowling magnificently now. And in India, when we play four Test matches (against England) that’ll be his time,” Bharat Arun said.
This is how Twitter reacted to Kuldeep Yadav’s Omission from Chennai.
When Kuldeep Yadav plays his 7th Test match, a debutant should present him with his cap.#IndvEng
— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) February 5, 2021
England wins an important toss but now they need to capitalise on this advantage. Happy for Shahbaz Nadeem who gets another Test match just at the eleventh hour but sad for Kuldeep Yadav who again misses out. #INDvENG #ChennaiTest pic.twitter.com/Thogp75lbZ
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) February 5, 2021
Clearly, England's struggle against Embuldeniya has prompted the selection of Shahbaz Nadeem, a fine, vastly experienced finger spinner. But I wonder what this means for Kuldeep. Clearly the team management doesn't rate him too high at thr moment
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 5, 2021
Just two years ago, Kuldeep Yadav was touted as India's first choice spinner in Tests. Now, he's battling to stay afloat. But he needn't look too far for inspiration. Ashwin & Pant too fought back from periods of self doubt. Stay strong Kuldeep!
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 5, 2021
India’s most successful new ball bowler is introduced. Let’s get going. Also…on the playing XI….What is Kuldeep supposed to do?? Can’t play when Ash-Jadeja are there. Won’t play even when Jadeja isn’t there and India’s playing at home. When does he play? 🤔 #IndvEng
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 5, 2021
Kuldeep Yadav last played a Test match for India against Australia in November 2019 against Australia in Sydney. The left-arm spinner had picked up a five-wicket haul in that match. Kuldeep has played only six Test matches for India and already has 24 wickets next to his name, including two five-wicket hauls.
Also Read: Kuldeep Yadav’s Time Will Come: Bharat Arun