Venkatesh Prasad Backs Kuldeep Yadav Despite Underwhelming First Test Performance

Former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad has openly backed Kuldeep’s ongoing selection in the playing eleven for the second and final Tests. Despite his underwhelming performance in the first game, Prasad spoke directly with the captain and team management, emphasising the importance of supporting the spinner.

India established a 1-0 lead in the two-match series against Sri Lanka, winning the first Test by 165 runs at Galle International Stadium. Manav Suthar claimed ten wickets in the game, which ended on Wednesday, August 19. Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm wrist spinner, did not perform as well as expected in the first Test, with his bowling described as flat and struggling to extract much from the abrasive deck at Galle.

“It is critical to address Kuldeep Yadav as team management and captain. And I would add, “Don’t worry, Kuldeep; you’ll play the next Test as well.” Saransh Jain plays as an off-spinner, and Sri Lanka has a large number of left-handed batsmen. It’s probably an easy decision to select Saransh for the next Test match, but I’d say no, and I’m going to give him another chance,” Prasad said during a Sony Sports interview.

Why Venkatesh Prasad loves Kuldeep despite his terrible Galle performance

Venkatesh Prasad explained why, despite a poor performance in the first Test, he chose to keep the left-arm wrist spinner. While conceding that Kuldeep’s performance did not meet expectations, he underlined the significance of believing in the player during a difficult moment. While Saransh Jain, an off-spinner, would be a tactical option against Sri Lanka’s left-handed hitters, Prasad said the team should focus on strengthening Kuldeep’s confidence rather than making a last-minute change.

“Kuldeep didn’t perform as expected, and it’s simple to say, okay, let’s get Saransh, who’s an off-spinner, but I’d stick with Kuldeep. I think this is how we should instill confidence in the players.” Venkatesh Prasad stated.

Kuldeep’s improvement in the first Test was slow, and he will try to enhance his rhythm in the second game. As India prepares for the series finale against Sri Lanka, the left-arm wrist spinner will have the opportunity to face the challenge in the next Test.