‘It is tough when you switch from IPL to red-ball cricket’ - Kuldeep Yadav explains challenge ahead of Afghanistan Test

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has admitted that transitioning from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to red-ball cricket is never easy, but he is confident that the players preparing for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh are ready for the challenge.

The left-arm spinner endured an underwhelming IPL 2026 campaign. Representing Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep picked up 10 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 38.10 and an economy rate of 10.29. With Delhi failing to qualify for the playoffs, the extra break gave him valuable time to work on his red-ball skills and prepare for the upcoming Test assignment.

"It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket. Preparation becomes very necessary. Luckily, I got time. I practised for at least 10 to 15 days, and got the feel of the red ball," he said. "In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. You stay in the game with that mindset. But in Test cricket, it's not like that. The batter has a lot of time,” said Kuldeep as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"Some players are coming straight after the IPL final. They don't have that much time. But I'm sure they have prepared well. So yes, it's a challenge, but I'm confident that everyone is preparing themselves well,” he added.

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With Ravichandran Ashwin retired, Ravindra Jadeja rested, and Axar Patel left out of the squad, India head into the one-off Test against Afghanistan with a young and relatively inexperienced spin attack. Left-arm spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar have earned their maiden national call-ups, while Kuldeep Yadav and off-spinner Washington Sundar have played just 17 Tests each.

Despite the lack of experience, Kuldeep expressed confidence in the current group and believes they have the talent to succeed at the highest level. The 31-year-old also said he wants the younger spinners to feel comfortable approaching him for guidance and discussions.

"Yes, Jaddu bhai is not there as he is a regular Test player. We will also miss Axar Patel in the Test match. But the preparations have been good. Washy (Washington Sundar) is also 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 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,” said Kuldeep.

“Over the last two years, these young players [Dubey and Suthar] have been part of India A tours. They are also playing the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy regularly. So there might be a lack of international experience, but when it comes to preparation, match awareness, or red-ball cricket, they are absolutely on top because they are playing regularly,” he added.