Cheteshwar Pujara backs Kuldeep Yadav for Colombo Test despite Galle struggles

India are reportedly considering a change to their playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, despite their dominant victory in the series opener at Galle. Team management is reportedly weighing the option of dropping Kuldeep Yadav after the spinner managed only one wicket across 25 overs while conceding 103 runs in the first Test. Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain, aged 33, could come into the side in his place, with reports suggesting the left-hand batter and right-arm off-break bowler is in line to make his international debut when the second match begins in Colombo on Sunday, August 23.

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has publicly backed Kuldeep to retain his place, arguing that the team should not make changes to a winning combination. Pujara's comments come as selectors weigh the tactical advantage of bringing in Jain, whose off-break bowling could be more effective against Sri Lanka's left-handed batters.

"In my opinion, India should go with the same playing 11, but I have been hearing that instead of Kuldeep, Saransh can come into the playing 11 because Sri Lanka has a lot of left-handers," Pujara told ESPNcricinfo.

"But I will be disappointed if that change happens because someone like Kuldeep should be given another opportunity. He's a quality bowler. You don't make too many changes when it comes to Test cricket. You don't change a winning combination. So I feel Kuldeep should be part of the playing 11," Pujara said.

Pujara emphasised the importance of backing experienced bowlers through difficult phases rather than making reactive changes. He argued that a single poor performance should not determine a player's future in the squad, particularly when the team has already secured a commanding victory.

"Even if he doesn't perform well in the second Test match, I still feel someone like Kuldeep should be backed. He is a quality bowler, and you don't need to think too far ahead. I still feel you take one match at a time and one series at a time," Pujara said.

Continuity over reactive changes

Pujara also highlighted the importance of maintaining continuity ahead of India's upcoming tours to New Zealand and home series against Australia, where Kuldeep's skills could prove crucial. He suggested that the Colombo Test was the right opportunity to give Kuldeep another chance to prove his worth.

"Maybe in New Zealand, he may not get the opportunity to be part of the playing 11th. So you just continue with him in the second Test match. And then when it comes to playing against Australia, I think he will be the key," he added.

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In the first Test at Galle, India's bowling attack was led by Manav Suthar, who took ten wickets, while veteran Ravindra Jadeja grabbed three in the first innings and took the key wicket of Dhananjaya De Silva in the second innings. Kuldeep's performance stood in contrast to these contributions, raising questions about his place in the squad for the Colombo fixture.