Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has thrown his support behind Kuldeep Yadav, saying the left-arm wrist-spinner deserves a place in India's playing XI across all three international formats.
Prasad believes Kuldeep remains the country's only specialist spinner and should be considered a regular selection because of his proven ability to win matches.
Kuldeep has represented India in 18 Tests, 121 ODIs and 54 T20Is since making his international debut against Australia in 2017. During that period, he has claimed 79 wickets in Tests, 194 in ODIs and 95 in T20Is.
Despite those numbers, the 31-year-old did not feature in any of the three ODIs during India's recent tour of England, spending the entire series on the bench. He has now been included in India's squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Prasad differentiates Kuldeep from India's spin all-rounders
Prasad believes Kuldeep offers a different skill set from India's other spin options, making him an important asset regardless of the format. Speaking to RevSportz, former chief selector MSK Prasad said,
“Kuldeep is the only genuine spinner in this side, while others, be it Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel or Washington Sundar, are spin all-rounders. And he is a genuine match-winner — the record speaks for itself. Kuldeep should be in the team’s scheme of things across all three formats."
Although Kuldeep has travelled to Sri Lanka, his place in the playing XI remains uncertain. India already have Ravindra Jadeja in the squad, while young spinner Manav Suthar has strengthened his case after an impressive Test debut.
Competition for spin spot continues
Suthar announced himself with a six-wicket haul in his maiden Test appearance and also offers depth with the bat. However, Prasad feels the youngster's emergence should not come at Kuldeep's expense. Prasad said,
“Yes, Suthar bowled well on his Test debut, but with Jadeja back for the Sri Lanka series, he could have been kept on the sidelines."
Prasad added,
“He played the Test against Afghanistan because Jadeja was rested. There was no harm if he were waiting in the wings on this tour. See, a chinaman bowler is a rare breed. And not often do you get a bowler of Kuldeep’s control and skill set. He should play across formats."
India's team management will now have to decide whether to back Kuldeep's experience or continue investing in Suthar when the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka begins later this month.