Kuldeep Yadav last played for India in a white-ball series in Sri Lanka in July 2021.
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged the national selectors to have patience and stick with Kuldeep Yadav after the left-arm wrist-spinner was recalled to India’s squad for the upcoming 3-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting on February 6 in Ahmedabad.
Kuldeep last played for India in a white-ball series in Sri Lanka in July 2021. Since then he suffered a knee injury for which he underwent surgery, missing the second half of the IPL 2021.
Well, Kuldeep hasn't been regularly playing for Team India since the 2019 World Cup, as well as in the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to injury issues, and Harbhajan has stressed that the wrist-spinner will take some time to settle into his rhythm on his return to international cricket, and he must be given time to help him get back into the rhythm.
Notably, he has played only 14 IPL matches in the last 3 years, while for India, he has played only 14 ODIs and 6 T20Is since the 2019 World Cup.
Harbhajan told PTI, “It will be a very tough road ahead for Kuldeep. He hasn't had any proper domestic games under his belt and it's not easy to make an international comeback just like that. He wasn't playing regularly before surgery and when you are making a comeback in white-ball, the first thing that's at the back of your mind is 'I don't want to get hit'.”
He continued, “So it's like striking a balance as you are naturally dealing with a lot of insecurities. It's a test of mental fortitude. Let me make it clear. If he gets a couple of early wickets, he will be a different bowler but things may not go as per plan. It might take some time for him to get back the rhythm.”
Harbhajan signed off by saying, “My only suggestion would be that stick with him since you have shown conviction based on his past performances and give him enough time and confidence. He is a man who can deliver the goods for India.”
(With PTI Inputs)