Kuldeep Yadav is India’s No.1 spinner in overseas Tests, says Ravi Shastri

Head coach of Indian cricket team Ravi Shastri is a happy man nowadays after a while. The team’s loss in Tests in South Africa and England and a few controversial remarks made by Shastri earned him a backlash but now, with India turning the tables around in Australia and New Zealand, the 56-year-old is a much-relieved man. India will now take on the Black Caps in a three-match series starting Wednesday and the former all-rounder will look for more good news emerging from the middle.

Shastri took over as the coach after former captain Anil Kumble stepped down in 2017 amid controversy. Though his stint started well, the 1-2 and 1-4 defeats in Test series in South Africa and England, respectively, saw Shastri facing heavy criticism. The man recently spoke to Cricbuzz in an exclusive interview in which he reflected on various issues – ranging from captain Virat Kohli to ace batsman Cheteshwar Pujara to India’s fast bowling attack.

‘Impressed the way Kuldeep bowled in Sydney’

Shastri also spoke highly about India’s spin attack which has also made a mark despite the pacers’ polished show. When asked about India’s spinning trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav and how the last two filled in after Ashwin’s injury saw him missing quite a few matches, the India head coach said, “Yes, and I was very impressed with the way Kuldeep bowled in Sydney. Even in Test cricket, it is going to be the age of wrist spin, especially in overseas Test cricket. The way he bowled in Sydney, he becomes our number one spinner in overseas Test cricket.”

Kuldeep took 5 wickets for 99 in the Test in Sydney in which Australia avoided a possible defeat because of the elements. Shastri was also of the opinion during the interview that Kuldeep is India’s primary overseas spinner since he plays overseas Test cricket and gets five wickets. “Going ahead, if we have to play one spinner, he is the one we will pick.”

Kuldeep, 24, who bowled impressively in Australia as well as in the recent ODI series against New Zealand, is one of India’s only two bowlers with five-wicket hauls in all three formats.

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