Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble has expressed strong support for Kuldeep Yadav, stating that the left-arm wrist spinner should be India’s number one choice in the playing XI for Test cricket. Kumble emphasized that Kuldeep deserves to be the frontline spinner in the longest format of the game.
Kuldeep Yadav, however, remained on the bench for all five matches in India’s previous Test series against England. The team management opted for spin all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to bolster batting depth, leaving Kuldeep out despite expectations that he would feature in every game.
During the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, several former Indian cricketers also advocated for Kuldeep’s inclusion, suggesting that his presence could have significantly influenced the outcomes. The five-match series ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.
“I think Kuldeep Yadav should be part of India’s Test squad” – Anil Kumble
On The Great Indian Cricket Show, former India coach Anil Kumble expressed his belief that Kuldeep Yadav, deserves a spot in India’s Test team and should be considered the country’s top spinner.
“I think Kuldeep Yadav should be a part of Test cricket if you want to take 20 wickets. Yes, we have Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel. But Kuldeep brings an X-factor – it’s not easy for batsmen to pick him, and we have seen that,” Kumble said.
He added, “I would like to see Kuldeep Yadav as the number one spinner in the playing XI. After that, you can select all-rounders, fast bowlers, and the rest of the team accordingly.”
Recently, Kuldeep Yadav reflected on his exclusion from the England tour, saying it helped him focus on fitness and improve his game.
“In England, given the conditions and team combination, I didn’t make the playing XI. But it turned out to be a great opportunity for me to work on my fitness and increase my bowling volume, which is crucial,” he explained.
Kuldeep Yadav has played 13 Test matches, taking 56 wickets in 24 innings at an average of 22.16, including four five-wicket hauls. Currently, the 30-year-old spinner is in impressive form at Asia Cup 2025, claiming a four-wicket haul against UAE and three wickets against Pakistan, earning Player of the Match awards in both games.