'Didn't back him': Gill questioned after Kuldeep bowled just 25 overs in Galle
Kuldeep bowled only 25 overs across India’s two innings in the Test and took one wicket, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled around 44 overs each and shared 14 wickets. India won the Test by 165 runs.
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has defended left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav following his subdued performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka. The 25-year-old picked up just one wicket across both innings in Galle, while veteran Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar managed 14 wickets between them. Bahutule explained that Kuldeep's role in the first Test was different due to the pitch conditions and the Kookaburra ball, which posed a greater challenge for wrist spinners compared to finger spinners.
He stated that Kuldeep has always been a match-winner and remains an integral part of India's plans for the upcoming second Test in Colombo. Bahutule acknowledged that wrist spinners struggle with the soft ball, but praised Kuldeep's adaptability, highlighting his efforts to change pace and trajectory throughout the match as the pitch slowed down.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- 'Definitely in scheme of things': India refuse to panic over Kuldeep after poor Galle Test timesofindia.indiatimes.com
