India began their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on a strong note with a convincing victory in Galle. While Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar made a significant impact with the ball, Kuldeep Yadav endured a relatively quiet outing.

The left-arm wrist-spinner picked up only one wicket and bowled just 25 overs in the Test. His limited involvement has now prompted former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to discuss Kuldeep’s position in India’s bowling attack and the way he has been utilised.

Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on Kuldeep Yadav’s difficult situation

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that Kuldeep has often found himself behind other spin options in India’s Test setup. He noted that the spinner was also the third choice when he and Jadeja were regular members of the playing XI.

The former India spinner also explained why Kuldeep needs to be used at the right stage of an innings. According to Ashwin, the wrist-spinner should ideally be introduced during the first 30 overs, while bringing him into the attack later and giving him short spells can make it difficult for him to find rhythm. Ashwin also suggested that Kuldeep’s limited opportunities under Shubman Gill could have affected his confidence.

“We could comfortably see that Kuldeep Yadav was the third spinner in this bowling attack. When KL Rahul came out to lead the side when Shubman Gill was off the field, he brought Kuldeep Yadav into the attack. So you can see a couple of things from this. Maybe he is not the preferred priority for Shubman Gill as a captain. It is a very, very difficult situation that Kuldeep finds himself in,” Ashwin said.

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R Ashwin backs India to retain same playing XI

Ashwin also defended Kuldeep’s ability and questioned whether the spinner’s skills had actually declined. Despite Kuldeep’s struggles, Ashwin does not believe India need to make an immediate change to their combination. He suggested that the team should retain the same playing XI for the second Test unless the management decides to include a third seamer.

“Did his skill go away? That must not have happened. You have kept him out game after game and even in the game he is given a chance, he is not used properly, it is not the player’s fault,” he concluded.

India lead the two-match series 1-0 after their victory in Galle. The second Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club from August 23.

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