Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer reckons Kuldeep Yadav should have been part of the T20 World Cup squad after the wrist spinner’s impressive show in the first innings of the opening Test match against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chhatogram.
Yadav returned with his best Test bowling figures of 5-40 against the Tigers in the first innings and took his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The left-arm spinner accounted for Shakib Al Hasan, Nurul Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Musfiqur Rahim, and Taijul Islam.
Meanwhile, Yadav was ignored for the T20 World Cup in Australia. India backed Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel in their final XI and didn’t even play Yuzvendra Chahal, which was a surprise for many experts.
Wasim Jaffer said on 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 feels Kuldeep brings more variety to the Indian bowling attack. Yadav had a good run in IPL 2022 for Delhi Capitals as he snared a total of 21 wickets in 14 matches.
“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.”
On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav also scored a crucial knock of 40 runs in the first innings. Jaffer added the southpaw reaped rewards after working hard on his batting at the NCA nets.
“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.”
Kuldeep played a key role in skittling out Bangladesh at 150 and he would want to continue the good show in the second dig.
