Kuldeep’s last appearance for India in whites was against Australia in Sydney in 2019.
Former Indian wicket-keeper Saba Karim has come up with advice for spinner Kuldeep Yadav and said that chinaman bowler should be patient and should keep enhancing his skills not only as a bowler but also as a batsman.
Kuldeep Yadav has been battling inconsistent form, which has been the reason behind his limited appearances for India lately.
Even though India team was beset by almost a dozen injuries, they had plenty of options to look at, especially for the fourth Test against Australia of the recently concluded 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane.
But team management went in with four fast bowlers and a solitary spinner. Even though Kuldeep Yadav was available for the selection, he was overlooked for Washington Sundar, who had better batting capabilities.
‘I believe apna time aayega’, Kuldeep Yadav optimistic about playing against England
Kuldeep Yadav was with the squad since the beginning of Australia tour. He was the only member of the original squad who did not make it to the XI despite India fielding 20 different cricketers during the four-match Test series.
Kuldeep’s last appearance for India in red-ball cricket was against Australia in Sydney in 2019 and its been a year since he last played for India in a T20 match.
Former Indian wicket-keeper Saba Karim feels that feels that besides being patient, Kuldeep should use this time to work on his batting.
"Be patient; work on your skills; keep working very hard. Keep enhancing your skill not only as a bowler but also a batsman. This is a time when you can work on your batting skills. Have a very strong presence in the dressing room. Always be there to help your colleagues," Saba Karim told Sportskeeda in an interview.
Karim, who represented India in 34 ODIs and one Test, explained the concept of 'team spirit' saying that it is manifested when a player sitting on the bench wishes well for those on the ground.
"At some point you won't do well, and that's the time you reflect and gain experience so that you don't repeat those errors in future. Team spirit is when a player who is sitting out still prays for his competitor who goes out to play for his team. That's the real definition of team spirit," said Karim.
Karim further noted that the same doesn't happen much in domestic cricket.
"I have noticed on many occasions while playing first-class cricket that the player who sits out is not in a very happy frame of mind. He is waiting to get back on to the field to replace the player who is playing in place of him." he said.
However with Ravindra Jadeja ruled out with a fractured thumb for the first two Tests against England, Kuldeep’s chances of being India’s second spinner after R Ashwin seem brighter than ever.
(Sportskeeda inputs)