MSK Prasad backs Kuldeep Yadav to play across all three formats for India

Kuldeep Yadav has established himself as a match-winner across international cricket, yet his Test career remains limited despite his proven skill in shorter formats. The left-arm wrist-spinner made his Test debut in March 2017 and has featured in only 18 matches in the longest format, while accumulating 121 ODI appearances and 54 T20I caps over nearly a decade of international cricket.

His record includes victories in the T20 World Cup in 2024 and 2026, as well as the 50-over Champions Trophy in 2025. At 32 years old, Kuldeep remains a key asset in India's bowling arsenal, yet questions persist about his role in the Test team's future plans.

The debate around Kuldeep's selection has resurfaced ahead of India's two-Test series in Sri Lanka this month. Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has intervened in the discussion, arguing that Kuldeep deserves a more prominent and consistent role across all three formats rather than serving as a perennial reserve. Prasad's intervention comes as Gautam Gambhir's team management has shown a marked preference for all-rounders who offer batting depth alongside their bowling contributions.

"Kuldeep is the only genuine spinner in this side, while others, be it Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel or Washington Sundar, are spin all-rounders. And he is a genuine match-winner — the record speaks for itself. Kuldeep should be in the team's scheme of things across all three formats," Prasad said to RevSportz.

Why Prasad believes Kuldeep deserves consistent selection

Prasad emphasised the rarity of Kuldeep's bowling skill set and the value it brings to India's cricket. The former selector highlighted that a chinaman bowler, is traditionally known, is an uncommon commodity in international cricket. Prasad stressed that Kuldeep's control and technical mastery set him apart from other spinners in the Indian setup, making him a distinct asset rather than a duplicate option.

"See, a chinaman bowler is a rare breed. And not often do you get a bowler of Kuldeep's control and skill set. He should play across formats," Prasad said.

Prasad's view on Suthar's emergence

Prasad also addressed the emergence of young spinner Manav Suthar, who recently made his Test debut. While acknowledging Suthar's promising performance, Prasad suggested that the young bowler's selection should not come at Kuldeep's expense. He noted that Suthar had played against Afghanistan primarily because Ravindra Jadeja was rested for that match, and argued there was no necessity to sideline Kuldeep during the Sri Lanka tour.

"Yes, Suthar bowled well on his Test debut, but with Jadeja back for the Sri Lanka series, he could have been kept on the sidelines. He played the Test against Afghanistan because Jadeja was rested. There was no harm if he were waiting in the wings on this tour," Prasad concluded.