Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav was once again ignored in the fourth and final Test match against England. Kuldeep played the second Test in Chennai and was again dropped for the third Test in place of Washington Sundar who hardly had a role to play in the third Test.

Sundar scored a duck in the first innings and was not needed in the second. He also bowled just four deliveries in the Test match. With the pitch expected to remain the same for the fourth Test and assist the spinners, it was expected that Kuldeep would get the nod ahead of Sundar. However, as it turned out India went in with Sundar probably for his batting credentials lower down the order.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli clarified why Kuldeep Yadav was dropped from the squad for the fourth Test. He said that the decision was made to have more batters in the team to reduce the disadvantage of batting second in the game. Kohli was also asked about the situation of Kuldeep in the team during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Game Is Absolutely Precise: Virat Kohli

“There is no issue with skill or headspace. His (Kuldeep Yadav’s) game is absolutely precise. He is bowling better than he has ever bowled before. Combinations, we need to make sure we cover all facets of the game and have our strongest talented squad on the park,” the India captain had said at the presser on the eve of the fourth Test.

Kohli further said that Kuldeep becomes an automatic choice when Ravindra Jadeja is available and playing for India. Jadeja’s experience with the bat gives India a good batting option at number seven which then allows Kohli to play an extra spinner in turning conditions.

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