Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad has urged India to play Kuldeep Yadav across all formats. Kuldeep was part of the ODI team against England but didn’t even get a single game against the hosts. The wrist-spinner was not included in the third ODI despite the absence of gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Since July 2024, Kuldeep has featured in 38 games out of 103 matches across all formats for India. 

Kuldeep has scalped 194 ODI wickets in 121 matches at an average of 27.05 and thus has an impressive record in the 50-over format. Prasad said Kuldeep Yadav is a genuine match-winner and he must be backed in the team.

“Kuldeep is the only genuine spinner in this side, while others, be it Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel or Washington Sundar, are spin all-rounders,” former chief selector MSK Prasad told RevSportz.

“And he is a genuine match-winner — the record speaks for itself. Kuldeep should be in the team’s scheme of things across all three formats.”

Meanwhile, Prasad reckons Manav Suthar might not get his chance against Sri Lanka despite performing well against Afghanistan as Ravindra Jadeja makes his comeback into the team.

“Yes, Suthar bowled well on his Test debut, but with Jadeja back for the Sri Lanka series, he could have been kept on the sidelines,” Prasad said.

“He played the Test against Afghanistan because Jadeja was rested. There was no harm if he were waiting in the wings on this tour. See, a chinaman bowler is a rare breed. And not often do you get a bowler of Kuldeep’s control and skill set. He should play across formats,” he added.

Suthar had bagged seven wickets on his debut against Afghanistan and also scored 28 runs. He was awarded Player of the Match for his fine performance.

India will take on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, starting August 15.