Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has strongly advocated for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in India's playing XI across all three formats.

Prasad cited that the left-arm wrist spinner is currently the only genuine spinner in the Indian team capable of turning a match single-handedly.

This endorsement comes amid ongoing debates regarding team combinations and the management's preference for lower-order batting depth over front-line specialist spinners.

Since making his international debut against Australia in March 2017, Kuldeep has played 18 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 54 T20Is, taking 79, 194, and 95 wickets respectively. He was part of India’s ODI squad for the away series in England last month, but warmed the bench in all three matches.

“Kuldeep is the only genuine spinner in this side, while others, be it Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel or Washington Sundar, are spin all-rounders," Prasad told RevSportz.

“And he is a genuine match-winner — the record speaks for itself. Kuldeep should be in the team’s scheme of things across all three formats," he added.

Kuldeep is in India's squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, but team combination debates continue over whether he or Manav Suthar will secure a spot in the playing XI.

“Yes, Suthar bowled well on his Test debut, but with Jadeja back for the Sri Lanka series, he could have been kept on the sidelines," Prasad stated.

“He played the Test against Afghanistan because Jadeja was rested. There was no harm if he were waiting in the wings on this tour. See, a chinaman bowler is a rare breed. And not often do you get a bowler of Kuldeep’s control and skill set. He should play across formats," he remarked.