Ashwin’s Gone, Kuldeep’s On—Can He Turn the Tide in England?

Image Source: The Economic Times

With the Test series between India and England just around the corner, Kuldeep Yadav is looking to make a mark. The series kicks off on June 20 in Leeds, and with R. Ashwin now retired, Kuldeep steps into the spotlight as India’s lead spinner.

He’s only played one Test in England before, but says he’s feeling confident. Intra-squad warm-ups gave him hope—early on the pitch offered little, but by Day 3, there was decent turn and bounce. That’s exactly what he’s banking on.

He’s been spending a lot of time with Ravindra Jadeja, figuring out strategies and field settings. With Ashwin gone, Kuldeep and Jadeja will likely form the new spin core, and they’re working on the chemistry both on and off the field.

One of his main priorities is bowling long spells again. After playing mostly T20s, he wants to find his rhythm in red-ball cricket—ideally, bowling 15–20 overs in a session.

He also spoke about Shubman Gill, the new Test captain, calling him focused and even-keeled. Kuldeep’s hopeful that leadership and a strong bowling group will help India break its long winless streak in England—the last series victory there came in 2007.

Sources: Business Standard, Times of India, Sportstar