Former India batsman Wasim Jaffer is thoroughly impressed by the remarkable consistency that leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has shown upon his return to Team India. Jaffer said he won’t be surprised if Kuldeep does well again in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, starting Friday in Ranchi.
Kuldeep Yadav has had a sort of an upswing since last year’s IPL 2022, when he performed brilliantly for Delhi Capitals and got back in the Indian setup. With Yuzvendra Chahal not being consistent, and failing to make the most out his chances, the management has now turned back toward Kuldeep.
Kuldeep Yadav is close to cementing a place in India’s ODI and T20I XI
In the 5 ODIs across the two series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Kuldeep Yadav has picked up 11 wickets and conceded runs at a terrific economy of 5.09 – this economy is laudable considering the flat pitches that were served in these two ODI series.
Now, ahead of India’s first T20I against New Zealand, Wasim Jaffer lavished praise on the 28-year-old, saying that Kuldeep Yadav is bowling in terrific rhythm.
“It happens with wrist spinners. When their form is good, when the ball comes out of their hands well, they take wickets. He has proved in the last two series by taking big wickets and giving breakthroughs at critical stages,” Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo.
“So, he has that potential. He wasn’t given the chance earlier. Since Axar Patel isn’t there, the management has given him a consistent run. He plays a match, gets dropped, returns, performs, and gets axed again. So, it’s not easy for any player,” he added.
Given his wicket-taking nature and the X-factor he brings in as a chinaman/left-arm wrist-spinner, India might ponder hard over playing Kuldeep Yadav in the Test series against Australia, which would mean either Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja get benched as R Ashwin is a sure starter and India are unlikely to go in with 4 spinners.
For Wasim Jaffer, Kuldeep Yadav should play in the Test series vs Australia
“He has shown remarkable consistency and I won’t be surprised if he does well in this series. I expect him to get a chance against Australia as well,” said Jaffer.
