Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer lauds Kuldeep Yadav for his performance against Bangladesh in the 1st Test and also stated that the spinner should have been selected for the T20 World Cup which happened earlier this year in Australia.
The veteran opening batter spoke to ESPN Cricinfo as he was very impressed with Yadav’s bowling exploits against Bangladesh on Day 2. Jaffer feels that Kuldeep should retain his position in the team for the upcoming four match test series against Australia at home. Jaffer shared his disappointment of not seeing Kuldeep in the T20 World Cup but he is sure that the left arm spinner will be integral in the Australia Test series.
“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.”I felt crushed: Ravichandran Ashwin on Ravi Shastri rating Kuldeep Yadav as India’s no.1 spinner in overseas conditions
Jaffer credited Delhi Capitals for sticking with Kuldeep Yadav during his tough times when Kolkata Knight Riders kept him on the bench for two years in the IPL. He feels that when a player is on the bench for so long it affects their morale.
“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,” Jaffer stated.
He highlighted how Delhi Capitals have shown great confidence in him and has given him chances which has allowed him to make a comeback to the Indian team. “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.”
Playing a match for India after 22 months, Kuldeep Yadav scored 40 crucial runs and then has picked up four important wickets as a statement of his comeback to the national outfit. It is because of him that Bangladesh are struggling at 133-8 at stumps and are still trailing by 271 runs after India posted a mammoth total of 404 runs.
