Kuldeep Yadav definitely in the scheme of things, says Sairaj Bahutule after Galle Test
India's spin-bowling coach defends the wrist spinner following a difficult performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka.
India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has expressed confidence in Kuldeep Yadav following the wrist spinner's difficult outing in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle from August 15-19, 2026. Kuldeep bowled 25 overs across both innings and took 1 wicket while conceding 103 runs. The performance came as other spinners in the Indian attack made significant contributions, with Ravindra Jadeja taking 4 wickets and Manav Suthar claiming 10 wickets in just his second Test appearance.
Bahutule acknowledged that the wrist spinner had faced a different role and environment in the Test but remained convinced of his quality. According to reports, Kuldeep is likely to be benched for the second Test at Colombo, with India keen to introduce a right-arm bowling option after fielding three left-arm spin choices in the opener.
"He's been bowling extremely well. It's just the situation which arose in Galle, he had to play a different role. For me, he has always been a match-winner and he definitely is in the scheme of things," Bahutule told reporters at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Friday, August 21.
"All the spinners are struggling with the soft ball. But for finger spinners (left-arm or off-spinners), it becomes easier. For a leg-spinner, it is that much harder because of the softness of the ball, the seam just goes down." Bahutule said.
Bahutule mentioned that Kuldeep's performance in just one outing shouldn't be used to judge his potential or his form. Instead, the former India spinner lauded Kuldeep for trying to adjust his game to the demands of the conditions.
"So, I don't think one game decides on the way he is performing and the way he is approaching. So, that's all he had to adapt to and he tried his best to adapt to that role." Bahutule said.
"We had to see how the trajectory or the speeds work in every session. As the days went by and as there was a demand for different types of speeds and different types of trajectories, he definitely was making an effort to bowl that," he added.
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