Ajinkya Rahane on Kuldeep Yadav’s career: ‘Tough when you’re in and out of XI’

India captain Ajinkya Rahane has praised the progress of Kuldeep Yadav, who is one of four bowlers in the team's spin department. Rahane, speaking to Indian Express' 'Idea Exchange', said that Kuldeep has significantly improved his game over the last four or five years, particularly in terms of speed. However, Rahane also noted that it is difficult for any player who is in and out of the XI, as consistency is crucial in cricket, both batting and bowling.

The 38-year-old captain expressed his happiness at witnessing Kuldeep's development, but admitted it was tough for him not to have had consistent chances to showcase his full potential. Rahane recalled handing over Kuldeep's Test debut in the match against Australia at Dharamsala in 2017, where he took a remarkable four-wicket haul as his debut innings.

Despite playing only 17 more Tests and claiming 79 wickets in the following nine years, Rahane remains confident in Kuldeep's abilities and backs him as a match-winner.