Venkatesh Prasad, a former spinner for India, has publicly backed Kuldeep’s inclusion in the starting eleven for the second and final Test. Prasad addressed the captain and team management directly, emphasising the importance of supporting the spinner despite his lacklustre performance in the first game.
India won the first Test by 165 runs at Galle International Stadium, giving them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series against Sri Lanka. During the match, which concluded on Wednesday, August 19, Manav Suthar claimed ten wickets. In the first Test, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav did not perform as well as expected; his bowling was described as being quite flat and finding it difficult to extract much from the abrasive pitch at Galle.
“Kuldeep Yadav should be addressed as captain and team manager. And I would say, Kuldeep, don’t worry, you will play in the upcoming Test match. Many left-handers bat for Sri Lanka, while Saransh Jain is an off-spinner in the team. During a conversation on Sony Sports, Prasad stated, “It’s probably an easy choice to get Saransh for the next Test match, but I would say no, and I’m going to give him another opportunity.”
Why Venkatesh Prasad backs Kuldeep despite his poor performance in Galle
Venkatesh Prasad gave an explanation for his decision to retain the left-arm wrist spinner despite the poor performance in the first Test. He acknowledged that Kuldeep’s performance fell short of expectations, but he highlighted the value of believing in the player at a trying period.
Prasad believed the squad should focus more on building Kuldeep’s confidence than making a last-minute change, even if Saransh Jain, an off-spinner, would be a tactical choice against Sri Lanka’s left-handed hitters.
Even though it’s simple to say, “Okay, let’s get Saransh, who’s an off-spinner, since Kuldeep didn’t perform as expected,” I would still choose Kuldeep. I believe that this is how we should help the players feel more confident. Venkatesh Prasad stated.
Kuldeep’s progress in the first Test was slow, and he plans to work on his rhythm in the second match. The left-arm wrist spinner will have the opportunity to take up the task in the upcoming Test as India prepares for the series finale against Sri Lanka.
