Kuldeep Yadav Has India’s Backing Despite Galle Struggles

India’s spin-bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, expressed confidence in Kuldeep Yadav following his challenging performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle from August 15-19, 2026.

In both innings, Kuldeep bowled 25 overs, resulting in one wicket and 103 runs conceded. Other Indian spinners, such as Ravindra Jadeja, who took four wickets, and Manav Suthar, who took 10 wickets in his second Test debut, also made significant contributions to the performance.

Bahutule acknowledged that the wrist spinner had participated in a diverse array of duties and circumstances during the Test, but he maintained his confidence in his capabilities.

Kuldeep is expected to be benched for the second Test in Colombo, as India is seeking to introduce a right-arm bowling option following the deployment of three left-arm spinners in the first Test. Simply put, he was compelled to assume a different role as a result of the circumstances in Galle.

Bahutule told reporters at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Friday, August 21, “He has always been a match winner for me, and he is definitely in the picture.”

“The soft ball is causing all of the spinners to suffer.” Nevertheless, finger spinners (also known as left-arm or off-spinners) will find it simpler. The seam simply descends due to the ball’s suppleness, which further complicates the task for a leg-spinner.Bahutule addressed the audience.

Bahutule maintains that Kuldeep’s form or potential should not be assessed solely on the basis of his performance in a single match.

The former India spinner commended Kuldeep for his ability to adjust his style of play to the circumstances. “Consequently, I do not believe that a single game has a significant impact on his performance and approach.”

Therefore, it was all he was required to acclimate to, and he made every effort to do so.Bahutule stated, “We needed to observe the trajectory or speeds in each session.””

“He made a concerted effort to bowl them as time passed and there was a desire for varied speeds and trajectories,” he noted.