Kuldeep Backed by Ashwin: ‘I Feel Sorry for Him’

Kuldeep Yadav did not play in India’s second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club on August 23, following a poor performance in the series opener in Galle.

The left-arm wristspinner grabbed only one wicket from 25 overs in the first Test, which India won 1-0 to lead the two-match series. Yadav absence from selection in Colombo was due to a viral ailment, according to the BCCI, and he had not fully recovered from the infection.

Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the decision to leave out Kuldeep, expressing concern about the spinner’s confidence. Speaking about the situation, Ashwin noted Yadav position within the squad structure, as well as the difficulties he faces in earning regular Test opportunities.

Why does Ashwin believe India should have supported Kuldeep?

After the first Test triumph, Ashwin claimed that India should have had more faith in Kuldeep. He maintained that the outcome of the Galle match should not have influenced Colombo’s selection, as the two Tests were independent games with their own demands and opportunities.

Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja took the primary spin-bowling responsibilities in the Colombo Test, taking 10 wickets in total. Saransh Jain, who made his debut, claimed three wickets in two innings.

Ashwin focused on the overall tactical approach, claiming that Yadav absence cost India the potential value of his googly and leg-break variants in key match scenarios.