Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood coach backs spinner’s selection in India’s playing XI for 4th Test against England

India’s wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood coach Kapil Yadav has backed his ward’s selection in the playing XI for the fourth Test against England. Yadav hasn’t been given his chance in the first three Test matches. 

The left-arm wrist spinner has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28.

Kapil said the bowlers have done a decent job for India but the batters could not deliver while chasing 193 at Lord’s.

“Kuldeep not playing doesn’t seem to hold much value in the current context, because Team India has been playing well. In the third Test, many expected him to feature, but the fast bowlers did the job and picked up wickets,” Kapil told news agency IANS.

“Kuldeep Yadav is in top form right now. He was lethal during the ODI World Cup and bowled brilliantly throughout the tournament. Not playing him at the right moments has cost India heavily. In the recent matches, it’s the batters who have failed, not the bowlers,” he added.

The childhood coach said it would be unfair to expect Kuldeep Yadav or Jasprit Bumrah to score a century.

He said, “You can’t expect someone like Kuldeep or even Bumrah to score 100 runs – that would be unrealistic.”

Kapil revealed he asked Kuldeep to be ready for his opportunity and bag it with both hands when it is presented to him.

“I’ve spoken to Kuldeep recently, and I told him to stay fit and be ready to deliver whenever given a chance. All we can do is hope – the final decision lies with the coach and the captain. But there’s no doubt that Kuldeep is currently one of the finest and most senior spinners in the country,” he said.

“Yes, his morale is high, but deep down he must also be wondering when he’ll get his chance – after all, he’s only human. He can be a crucial asset for Team India in Manchester. I spoke to him; he’s focused,” he added.

The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.