The Indian team’s arrival in Kanpur for the second Test against Bangladesh has sparked speculation about a potential return for wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The Green Park pitch, known to assist spinners, has fueled discussions about his inclusion in the playing XI.
Kuldeep’s coach, Kapil Pandey, believes that his ward should be included in the team, regardless of the surface. He points to Kuldeep’s consistent performance across different conditions, including his impressive showing against England earlier this year where he claimed 19 wickets in four matches.
While the team management is yet to announce the final eleven, the presence of three specialist spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and either Kuldeep or Axar Patel—creates a selection dilemma. Kuldeep’s familiarity with the Green Park pitch, his home ground, adds another layer to the debate.
Despite his strong showing against England, Kuldeep was surprisingly omitted from the first Test in Chennai against Bangladesh. Pandey advocates for playing all three specialist spinners, highlighting the value they bring to the team.
Kuldeep’s journey in Test cricket has been marked by both brilliant moments and setbacks. His career high was a five-wicket haul against Australia in Sydney in 2018-19. However, injuries and inconsistent form hampered his progress. He showcased his abilities again in the 2022 Bangladesh tour, claiming eight wickets in Chattogram and forging a crucial partnership with Ashwin. Despite this performance, he had to wait for another year and a half to prove himself during the home series against England.
Now, with the second Test in Kanpur being a potential turning point for Kuldeep, his coach and fans are eager to see him back in action, especially on his home ground. The selection decision remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: a return to the playing XI for Kuldeep would bring added pressure on Bangladesh and could potentially shift the momentum of the series.
