IND vs SL: Ravichandran Ashwin raises questions over Kuldeep Yadav’s role in Galle Test

Team India defeated hosts Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first match of the two-Test series played at Galle, taking an unassailable 1–0 lead in the 2-match test series. Specialist Kuldeep Yadav’s performance with the ball was unremarkable in this match, whereas other spinners made a greater impact on a pitch that favored spin bowling.

Sharing his views on Kuldeep Yadav's performance, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin noted that Kuldeep was being utilized as India's third spinner in this Test. The former Indian spinner also pointed out that the way Kuldeep was used varied depending on who was captaining the team. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said:

“We could easily see that Kuldeep Yadav was the third spinner in this bowling attack. When Shubman Gill was off the field and KL Rahul took over the captaincy, he brought Kuldeep Yadav on to bowl. This clarifies a few things. Perhaps Kuldeep isn't at the top of Shubman Gill's priority list as captain. It is a very difficult situation for Kuldeep.”

Ashwin explained that wrist spinners should ideally get to bowl within the first 30 overs of an innings so they can find their rhythm and make an impact on the match. However, in the Galle Test, Kuldeep Yadav was called upon to bowl quite late. His spells during the match were also quite short, making it difficult for him to find his natural rhythm.

Ashwin expressed concern that consistently limited opportunities could affect Kuldeep's confidence and performance. He questioned whether there had actually been a decline in Kuldeep's technical ability or if he simply wasn't being utilized correctly. 

“Has his skill vanished? That shouldn't happen. You kept him out of matches consistently, and even when he was given a chance, he wasn't utilized properly. The player isn't at fault here.”  In the Galle Test, Kuldeep took just one wicket while conceding 103 runs in 25 overs. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja claimed four wickets, and Manav Suthar made a remarkable impact by taking 10 wickets in only his second Test, he added. 

However, Ravichandran Ashwin believes that India does not need to make immediate changes to its bowling combination ahead of the second Test. He suggested that India should retain the same playing XI for the second Test as well, unless the team management decides to include a third fast bowler. The second Test is scheduled to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club starting August 23.