The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan is all set to get underway on June 6 in New Chandigarh. Led by captain Shubman Gill, this red-ball fixture serves as a key transition for the Indian squad, seeking to address concerns exposed by their 0-2 home whitewash against South Africa last year.
The selection committee has rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for this solitary Test match, which isn’t part of the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Uncapped players like Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, and Harsh Dubey have received maiden Test call-ups.
Ahead of the game, Kuldeep Yadav expressed his desire to step into leadership role as a "partner" rather than a traditional mentor for young spinners, Suthar and Dubey.
In an exclusive interview given to PTI via series broadcaster JioHotstar, the left-arm wrist-spinner emphasized creating a highly approachable team environment for the new entrants.
"Whenever a new player joins the team, your job is to make him comfortable. You want him to see you as a partner. If he has any problem, he should feel free to talk to you, and you must be ready to support him," Kuldeep said.
"Right now, there is good bonding with two or three of the younger players. It feels good to have them around," he added.
According to Kuldeep, the best way to engage with the youngsters is by asking them relevant questions and getting a hang of their understanding of the game.
"We talk freely as a group, especially about the conditions. If I want to test the youngsters, then I ask them questions regarding their understanding of the pitch, the weather conditions, and how should the team approach the match.
"So, our conversations are mostly about basic tactics, what lengths to bowl, what pace works on this surface, and how spinners need to be patient in Test cricket. Patience is everything in this format," Kuldeep stated.
With veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retired and Jadeja rested, Kuldeep will lead the spin attack against Afghanistan. Axar Patel is also missing the squad, leaving Kuldeep alongside Washington Sundar and the two newcomers.
"Yes, Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) is not there, as he is a regular Test player. We will also miss Axar Patel in the Test match. But the preparations have been good.
"Many youngsters are here – Harsh, Manav. Washi (Washington Sundar) is also playing Test cricket quite regularly now, so he is well settled in the set-up," Kuldeep said.
Dubey and Suthar might be newcomers, but Kuldeep stressed that their preparation has been on point.
"Over the last two years, these young players (Dubey and Suthar) have been part of India A tours. They are also playing the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy regularly," he said.
"So, there might be a lack of international experience, but when it comes to preparation, match awareness, or red-ball cricket, they are absolutely on top because they are playing regularly."
Following his underwhelming IPL 2026 campaign (10 wickets from 12 games) with the Delhi Capitals (DC), Kuldeep Yadav spent 10-15 days specifically training in the nets with the red ball to get into the groove. He noted that while T20s require a constant attacking mindset, Test cricket demands immense patience.
"It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket. Preparation becomes very necessary. Luckily, I got time. I practised for at least 10 to 15 days and got the feel of the red ball.
"In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. You stay in the game with that mindset. But in Test cricket, it's not like that. The batter has a lot of time," he remarked.
For him, other key aspect of Test preparation is attention to details. "Consistency of bowling on a good length matter. That is a big challenge. Tactics matter a lot. Which angles you are bowling from, which crease position you are using, all these become very important.
"Small things like giving flight to the ball, deceiving the batter in the air, using the red ball well. There are many things, but for that you need time," he said.
"Some players are coming straight after the IPL final. They don't have that much time. But I'm sure they have prepared well. So yes, it's a challenge, but I'm confident that everyone is preparing themselves well," he added.
(With PTI Inputs)
