Ahead of Afghanistan Test, Kuldeep gets a 'feel of the red ball' after underwhelming IPL
Kuldeep is one of four spinners, alongside the uncapped Suthar and Dubey, part of India's squad for one-off Test against Afghanistan
India's left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav has said that it is tough to switch from IPL to red-ball cricket but is confident that players heading into the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh are well prepared.
"It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket," Kuldeep told PTI in an interaction facilitated by JioHotstar. "Preparation becomes very necessary."
Kuldeep had an underwhelming IPL 2026. He picked up ten wickets in 12 matches at an average of 38.10 and an economy rate of 10.29, with Delhi Capitals not qualifying for the playoffs. That allowed him extra time to hone his red-ball skills.RelatedBahutule joins India team as spin-bowling coach
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"Luckily, I got time. I practised for at least 10 to 15 days, and got the feel of the red ball," he said. "In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. You stay in the game with that mindset. But in Test cricket, it's not like that. The batter has a lot of time.
"Some players are coming straight after the IPL final. They don't have that much time. But I'm sure they have prepared well. So yes, it's a challenge, but I'm confident that everyone is preparing themselves well.
With R Ashwin retired, Ravindra Jadeja rested, and Axar Patel not picked, India have a young and a relatively inexperienced group of spinners. Left-arm spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar have received maiden call-ups, while both Kuldeep and offspinner Washington Sundar have played only 17 Tests each.Manav Suthar is one of two uncapped left-arm spinners in India's Test squad•PTI
Kuldeep said he wants the newcomers to feel free to talk to him, and backed the current crop to do well.
"Yes, Jaddu bhai is not there as he is a regular Test player," Kuldeep said. "We will also miss Axar Patel in the Test match. But the preparations have been good. Washy (Washington Sundar) is also playing Test cricket quite regularly now, so he is well settled in the set-up.
"Whenever a new player joins the team, your job is to make him comfortable. You want him to see you as a partner. If he has any problem, he should feel free to talk to you, and you must be ready to support him. Over the last two years, these young players [Dubey and Suthar] have been part of India A tours. They are also playing the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy regularly.
"So there might be a lack of international experience, but when it comes to preparation, match awareness, or red-ball cricket, they are absolutely on top because they are playing regularly."
What conversations does Kuldeep have with his new spin partners?
"We talk freely as a group, especially about the conditions," he said. "If I want to test the youngsters, then I ask them questions regarding their understanding of the pitch, the weather conditions, and how the should team approach the match. Our conversations are mostly about basic tactics, what lengths to bowl, what pace works on this surface, and how spinners need to be patient in Test cricket. Patience is everything in this format."