Sri Lanka Tests crucial for India’s WTC hopes, spin leadership transition
Kuldeep Yadav’s role in India’s Test future
Former India spinner Murali Kartik has emphasised the need for consistency and a clearly defined role for Kuldeep Yadav in the Test squad. This comes as Ravindra Jadeja approaches the later stages of his career, making the upcoming series against Sri Lanka crucial for identifying future spin leaders. Kartik believes that despite Kuldeep’s match-winning capabilities, he has not received consistent backing from previous team managements to establish himself in Test cricket.
Kartik highlighted that the series against Sri Lanka will be a significant examination for India’s spin resources. He noted that the transition in India’s spin department makes Kuldeep’s role particularly important, especially with Jadeja nearing the twilight of his career. The former spinner also mentioned Manav Suthar, whose debut against Afghanistan was encouraging for traditional spin enthusiasts.
Kuldeep’s omission from India’s five-Test tour of England had previously raised questions about his position in the red-ball setup. Kartik stated that many were asking about Kuldeep’s absence during those matches. He stressed that with Jadeja’s career winding down, it is important to determine if Kuldeep will step up as a leader in the spin department or if another player will take that role.
Kartik dismissed concerns about Kuldeep’s batting limitations, asserting that his primary value lies in his wicket-taking ability as a spin bowler. He noted that Kuldeep is capable of holding the bat and occupying the crease, even if he lacks the hitting ability of Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin. Kartik views Kuldeep as a wonderful and match-winning bowler who has taken wickets in various countries, and he believes the key is to manage him effectively.
Kartik also pointed out that Kuldeep has faced injuries, including a recent groin issue. He stressed the importance of consistency for Kuldeep, stating that a spinner needs to feel like a certainty in the team to perform at their best. He suggested that the way Kuldeep was handled by the previous management differed from how Ashwin and Jadeja were managed.
Squad selections and fitness concerns
In terms of squad selections, Kartik has backed Dhruv Jurel to retain his place in the playing XI for the Sri Lanka series. This is despite Sarfaraz Khan returning to the squad as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan. Kartik cited Jurel’s consistent performance and utility as a Test batter, stating that Jurel has done everything the team has asked of him.
Kartik expressed confidence in Shubman Gill‘s batting prowess, despite recent scrutiny on the India captain. However, he highlighted Gill’s fitness as a significant concern. Gill has had a history of niggles and injuries that have interrupted his availability, and Kartik emphasised the importance of him staying fully fit to lead the team through a crucial phase of the World Test Championship.
The India team is currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings, having recorded four wins and four defeats in the current cycle. The upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka is seen as critical for India to revive their campaign, especially after a 0-2 series loss to South Africa. Following the Sri Lanka tour, India will travel to New Zealand for two Tests in November, before hosting Australia for a five-Test series in January-February.
Kartik also analysed the Sri Lankan lineup, warning that the hosts might target India’s batters, particularly with left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya in good form. He noted that in warm conditions, fast bowlers might not be able to bowl long spells, making spin a key factor. Kartik observed that Sri Lanka has picked a significant number of spinners, indicating their strategy to challenge India. He hopes India has prepared well, considering the number of reserve spinners they have taken on tour to help with practice. The India tour of Sri Lanka will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.
India’s WTC aspirations
The upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka, which begins on Saturday, is crucial not only for the development of India’s spin bowlers but also for the team’s aspirations in the World Test Championship. Kartik underscored the importance of this tour for India’s red-ball cricket fortunes, which have not been favourable recently. He believes that if India is serious about Test cricket, their performance in this series will be vital.
With several veteran players having retired, India’s red-ball squad is undergoing a significant transition. While Jadeja is still part of the team, India’s path to the WTC final will depend on the performances of players like Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and Saransh Jain in Galle and Colombo. Kartik noted that after the likes of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, Ashwin and Jadeja have filled significant roles, and now new leaders are needed in the spin department.
Kuldeep has made 18 Test appearances since his debut in 2017. Even after Ashwin’s retirement, Kuldeep has played five Tests, taking one five-wicket haul. He now faces competition from young Suthar, who took a seven-wicket haul against Afghanistan in June. Kartik believes that the series against Sri Lanka will reveal whether Kuldeep can become the primary spin leader for India.
Kartik also touched upon the mental strain faced by specialist spinners like Kuldeep due to sporadic game time and injuries. He stressed the importance of proper man-management over solely focusing on batting ability. He believes that making a player feel wanted can bring out their best performance. Kuldeep showed encouraging signs in India’s warm-up game win in Colombo, but it remains to be seen if he will get a starting opportunity in Galle.
The series will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.
Source: m.rediff.com
