Ahead of Afghanistan Test, Kuldeep gets a ‘feel of the red ball’ after underwhelming IPL
A Crucial Shift in Mindset
As the Indian cricket team gears up for the high-stakes one-off Test match against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, the focus has shifted from the glitz of T20 cricket to the patient grind of the red-ball format. For left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, this transition is both a technical and mental challenge. Ahead of Afghanistan Test, Kuldeep gets a ‘feel of the red ball’ after underwhelming IPL, and he is determined to use this period to rediscover his rhythm.
Reflecting on his recent campaign in the Indian Premier League, where he struggled to find consistency—claiming ten wickets across 12 matches at an average of 38.10—Kuldeep acknowledges that the shift in formats is far from seamless. The IPL required an aggressive, attacking mindset, which is fundamentally different from the patience required to dismantle a lineup in Test cricket.
The Challenge of Adaptation
Kuldeep noted that while T20 cricket demands constant pressure on the batter, the longest format of the game is about understanding the pace of the pitch and the endurance of the opposition. Having spent 10 to 15 days in dedicated practice, he feels he has regained the necessary control over the red ball. “In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. In Test cricket, it’s not like that. The batter has a lot of time,” Kuldeep explained.
While some teammates are arriving directly from the IPL final, leaving them with little breathing room, Kuldeep believes the squad has the depth and preparation to handle the transition. The absence of stalwarts like the retired R Ashwin, along with the rest afforded to Ravindra Jadeja and the omission of Axar Patel, puts a fresh spotlight on the spin department.
Leading the Next Generation
With an inexperienced spin group, Kuldeep has embraced a leadership role. The squad features maiden call-ups for left-arm spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar, while Washington Sundar and Kuldeep himself are tasked with anchoring the attack. Kuldeep is clear about his responsibility: to make the newcomers feel welcome and supported.
- Mentorship: Kuldeep emphasizes that a senior player’s job is to make newcomers feel comfortable and to act as a partner rather than just a teammate.
- Experience: While Dubey and Suthar may lack international caps, Kuldeep highlights their extensive experience in India A tours, the Duleep Trophy, and the Irani Trophy.
- Strategic Conversations: The spin group is currently prioritizing discussions on pitch conditions, bowling lengths, and the importance of patience.
Kuldeep highlighted that the conversations among the spinners are tactical and rooted in match awareness. “If I want to test the youngsters, then I ask them questions regarding their understanding of the pitch, the weather conditions, and how the team should approach the match,” he said. By focusing on fundamental tactics rather than just raw skill, the team aims to overcome the lack of international experience with solid preparation.
Looking Ahead
The confidence within the camp remains high. Kuldeep believes that the regular exposure these young players have had to high-level domestic red-ball cricket will prove invaluable in New Chandigarh. As the team prepares for the Test, the focus remains firmly on discipline. For Kuldeep Yadav, the goal is simple: translate the hours of practice into a dominant performance, proving that the lessons from his underwhelming IPL season have been well and truly learned. Patience, as he noted, will be the ultimate virtue as India looks to overcome the Afghan challenge.
