Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer said that left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will play a major role in the upcoming four-Test series at home against Australia after he produced a sensational all-round performance in the opening Test of the ongoing three-match Test series against Bangladesh.
Kuldeep took five wickets and contributed 40 runs in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram and post his performance, Jaffer that Team India missed the trick by not picking Kuldeep Yadav for the T20 World Cup 2022, especially after his performance in IPL 2022.
However, that was in the past, and now the former opener wants Kuldeep to be picked for the Test series against Australia at home, as he feels the spinner will be key for the hosts in this series.
Wasim Jaffer was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “It’s very exciting to see Kuldeep Yadav bowl in this fashion. I had said earlier too that he should have been a part of the T20 World Cup as well. It was unfortunate not to see him play. The way he bowled in the IPL, I was really surprised that he was not a part of the squad. He will play a major role in the upcoming series against Australia.”
Jaffer added that Kuldeep brings variety to the Indian bowling attack and even praised his improved batting abilities as well.
He added, “Kuldeep Yadav brings variety to India’s bowling attack. He had great control in the IPL, bowling with a big heart against top batters. He got a lot of confidence from that, given that he had to sit on the bench the previous two seasons. He has had a lot more opportunities since coming to the Delhi Capitals, and you can see that confidence coming back. He needs to be a part of the attack, especially in Indian conditions.”
Jaffer signed off by talking about Kuldeep’s batting, “I have seen him bat. You can see that he has got the basics covered. He can defend and play properly and is not someone who gives you his wicket easily. He worked hard in the nets when he was at the NCA, as he could not bowl much because of an injury. It always helps the team a lot when the tailenders contribute with the bat.”
