Following Kuldeep Yadav‘s tough performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle from August 15-19, 2026, India’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule expressed confidence in the wrist spinner. Kuldeep bowled 25 overs in both innings, picking up one wicket and conceding 103 runs. Other Indian spinners made major contributions to the performance, including Manav Suthar, who took 10 wickets in only his second Test debut, and Ravindra Jadeja, who took four wickets.
Although Bahutule admitted that the wrist spinner had played in a variety of roles and situations throughout the Test, he remained confident in his ability. After fielding three left-arm spinners in the first Test, India is looking to add a right-arm bowling option, therefore Kuldeep is set to be benched for the second Test in Colombo.
“He’s been bowling very well. It’s simply that due to the circumstances in Galle, he was forced to play a different role. For me, he has always been a match winner, and he is definitely in the picture,” Bahutule told reporters at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Friday, August 21.
“All of the spinners are suffering with the soft ball. However, finger spinners (left-arm or off-spinners) will find it easier. Because of the ball’s softness, the seam just goes down, making it even more difficult for a leg-spinner.” Bahutule spoke.
Kuldeep’s performance in a single match should not be used to evaluate his form or potential, according to Bahutule.
The former India spinner praised Kuldeep for adapting his style of play to the conditions. “So, I don’t think one game decides on the way he is performing and approaching.”
So it was all he had to adjust to, and he did his best.” Bahutule stated, “We had to see how the trajectory or speeds work in each session.” As time passed and there was a desire for varied speeds and trajectories, he made a concerted effort to bowl them,” he noted.
