MSK Prasad reveals the reasons behind Kuldeep Yadav's omission for the last two Tests against England

Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who had a dream international debut in a Test match against Australia in Dharamsala last year, failed to impress in his lone Test on English soil, returning with dismal figures of 9-1-44-0. Although he was impressive in the ODI series against England, in which he picked up nine wickets from three games, the Uttar Pradesh bowler’s show in white flannels was just the contrary.

Thus the committee of selectors decided to send back Yadav from England, and replace him with Hanuman Vihari for the last two Tests. Besides, the selectors said that they wanted to manage the bowler’s workload ahead of the Asia Cup and the home series against Windies.

“Kuldeep has been sent back (from England). (This was done) considering the conditions there and keeping the Asia Cup and two Tests (against West Indies) in mind,” chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad told the media.

Prasad also informed that the spinner will feature in India A’s two four-day Tests against Australia A in Bengaluru next week. “We felt that it is better for him to get some game time. He will be picked for the two Tests against Australia A, that will help him prepare for the Asia Cup and the West Indies series,” Prasad said.

Kuldeep’s international career thus far

Kuldeep made his Test debut in March 2017 against Australia and claimed 4 for 68 in the first innings. So far he has nine wickets from three Tests at an economy rate of 3.44. In ODIs, he has 48 wickets from 23 contests while in the shortest format, he has 24 wickets from 12 encounters.

The national selectors will be hoping that Kuldeep benefits from the first-class experience ahead of the Asia Cup and the Windies series. Windies arrive in India next month for a tour comprising two Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is. A good performance can earn Kuldeep a recall in the Test squad.

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