Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of Kuldeep Yadav following the spinner’s modest performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. During the match, Kuldeep bowled 25 overs, conceding 103 runs and taking only one wicket. However, Ashwin believes the figures don’t tell the full story, questioning whether Kuldeep was given enough overs.
"People will question because Jadeja took the wicket from one end Suthar took wickets on the other end. Kuldeep is the third spinner. When Jaddu and i were playing. He was the third spinner. He is still the third spinner," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
"It is not easy to play as a 3rd or 4th spinner in an 11. If a partnership is going on and you are bringing a bowler to break it, it is very difficult. It is not easy to bowl to a bowler. And this Kookaburra ball - it is not easy to bowl to a Sri Lankan bowler after 30 overs. It slows down. What kind of a spinner is Kuldeep Yadav? He is not a fast spinner into the wicket. If you have seen Indian Test cricket historically in the last 10-15 years, the ball is old, and Jadeja bowls more," he said.
Ashwin highlighted that Kuldeep is not a conventional spinner who should be judged by the same standards as Ravindra Jadeja or Manav Suthar. Manav Suthar took 10 wickets in the match, while Jadeja returned with four wickets.
"Why does Jadeja bowl more? Because Jadeja's hand is very fast. You need that air speed to defeat a batsman when the wicket is slowing down. And Manav Suthar bowls well with a new ball. So, honestly, if Kuldeep has to bowl in this condition, it has to be in the first 30 overs," Ashwin said.
"You cannot bring him late. And a spinner's rhythm cannot be formed from small spells. Already, as it is, his confidence is not that high. He has not played much. A bowler's confidence is low. I had told you in the preview that it is important to support him," he said.