India’s second Test against England saw Jasprit Bumrah steal the show with his reverse-swing magic, but another bowler quietly made a strong case for regular inclusion: Kuldeep Yadav. After being benched in the first Test, Kuldeep’s spin and wicket-taking prowess shone on a day when other spinners (Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel) struggled.
While Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel toiled for runs, Kuldeep’s slower deliveries created constant pressure. He dismissed Ben Duckett and, crucially, Ben Foakes at a vital moment after Bumrah’s spell. His 17 overs yielded 71 runs, a less economical spell than some, but he compensated with threat and wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav’s performance rekindled the debate about his role in India’s Test team. Despite being a unique left-arm wrist spinner, he has often found himself out of favour due to form and selection preferences. However, his ability to extract turn and create chances, even on flat tracks, makes him a valuable weapon.
India’s first-innings score of 396 wasn’t ideal, but Kuldeep Yadav contribution and Bumrah’s brilliance secured a crucial 143-run lead. With the pitch unlikely to deteriorate significantly, England still fancies their chances, but the pressure’s on their batting line-up to chase a potentially tricky target.
Kuldeep Yadav’s performance throws up multiple questions. Can he maintain his form and offer consistent threat with the ball? Will India finally give him a more extended run in the Test team? His spin could be key in future matches, especially against teams known for their attacking batting style.
The coming days will reveal whether Kuldeep Yadav impactful spell translates into a permanent Test role. But one thing is clear: he’s made a strong statement reminding everyone of his talent and potential impact on the longest format.
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