India spinner Kuldeep Yadav believes his role as the senior-most spinner in the squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan is to make the newer players feel comfortable and help them settle into the team environment.
Kuldeep will lead one of the most inexperienced spin attacks India have fielded in recent years. With Ravindra Jadeja rested and Axar Patel overlooked, Kuldeep, who has 17 Tests to his name and considerably more international experience, becomes the most seasoned spinner in the squad.
Like many players in the current squad, Kuldeep is coming off a demanding IPL season. Delhi Capitals’ early exit gave him a brief window to spend some time with his wife.
“It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket,” Kuldeep told PTI in an interaction facilitated by JioHotstar. “Preparation becomes very necessary.”
India’s spin department features two new faces in Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar. Washington Sundar is also part of the squad and has played 17 Tests.
As one of the senior players in the group, Kuldeep has extended his support to the uncapped spinners in the squad.
“Yes, Jaddu bhai is not there as he is a regular Test player,” Kuldeep said. “We will also miss Axar Patel in the Test match. But the preparations have been good. Washy (Washington Sundar) has also been playing Test cricket quite regularly now, so he is well settled in the set-up. Whenever a new player joins the team, your job is to make him feel comfortable. You want him to see you as a partner. If he has any problem, he should feel free to talk to you, and you must be ready to support him. Over the last two years, these young players [Dubey and Suthar] have been part of India A tours. They have also been playing in the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy regularly.”
India will take on Afghanistan in the one-off Test starting on June 6.
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