‘The number one spinner…’: Former Indian legend wants Kuldeep Yadav to be a regular of Test cricket

Indian team recently returned from a Test tour of England, where they played a five-match series. one of the widely-known names in the squad was Kuldeep Yadav, who was benched throughout the series and was not given a chance to perform in English conditions.

Former Indian legend Anil Kumble believes that Kuldeep Yadav should definitely be included in the Test setup, which helps in bringing a special ‘x-factor’, taking the team a step closer to achieving victories. Throughout the time Kuldeep was warming the benches throughout the England series, many fans and former cricketers shared their opinions about the left-armer.

Since Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar offer batting strength along with creating a magical spin performance, Kuldeep Yadav is most of the times overlooked in order to add a tad bit more runs on the board. However, Anil Kumble believes that Kuldeep is a necessary person in India’s bowling attack.

“I think Kuldeep Yadav should be a part of Test match cricket if you have to take 20 wickets. Yes, there is Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel. But I think Kuldeep’s X-factor is that it’s not easy to pick him. And we have seen that. I would like to see Kuldeep being the number one spinner as a listed spinner in the playing XI. And then whatever you want to do after that, all-rounders, fast bowlers and then you pick the rest of the players,” Kumble said on The Great Indian Cricket Show.

Being part of the Asia Cup 2025 setup, Kuldeep Yadav has maintained his economical value and kept his streak going for continuously taking wickets by making use of his variations. He had secured 7 wickets in 2 outings, securing his name as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far.